DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics

Noah Barkin, an analyst on Europe–China relations, and Clifford Coonan, a China specialist with extensive reporting experience, delve into Germany's precarious relationship with China. They discuss Germany's dependency on Chinese markets and rare earths, highlighting the historical ties between German industry and China. The conversation addresses the implications of China's recent export controls, the challenges Germany faces in de-risking its economy, and the rising competition from Chinese firms, especially in the EV sector. They also explore potential alternatives like India.

Germany’s chancellor demanded a breakthrough. The EU summit delivered mixed results: Ukraine funding secured, Mercosur delayed. Is Friedrich Merz cementing Germany’s leadership—or exposing Europe to unnecessary risks? Berlin Briefing host Nina Haase, DW Chief Political Editor Michaela Küfner and Daniel Goffart (WirtschaftsWoche) unpack the stakes, the style, and what this means for 2026.

Ines Paul, DW's Bureau Chief in Washington, discusses the complex dynamics of U.S. diplomacy regarding Ukraine amid Trump's criticisms of Europe’s inaction. She explains his motivations for a rapid truce, including potential concessions from Zelensky. The conversation explores the implications of a peace deal for Ukrainians, the role of security guarantees, and how China's support for Russia complicates matters. Paul also addresses the growing influence of far-right parties in Europe and predicts the future of U.S.-EU relations as rearmament efforts continue.

Hans Pfeifer, a veteran DW journalist with expertise on the AfD, and Matthew Moore, a correspondent with firsthand accounts from Gießen, dive into the rise of the AfD's new youth wing, 'Generation Germany.' They discuss the party's shift from anti-migration to more extremist ideologies and the strategic motivations behind establishing this youth group. The discussion includes the significant protests against the launch, the dynamics of journalist harassment, and the youth wing's role in grooming future leaders while masking troubling affiliations.

In this insightful discussion, Dominik Tolksdorf, a senior foreign policy expert at DGAP, shares his perspective on Trump's controversial 28-point peace plan for Ukraine. The conversation reveals the shockwave felt across Europe as details emerged, highlighting concerns over potential concessions to Russia. Tolksdorf explains the chaotic diplomatic maneuvering involving European leaders and stresses the urgent need for Europe to assert its sovereignty in security matters. They also examine how frozen Russian assets might serve as leverage for Ukraine, calling for a reevaluation of transatlantic ties.

As negotiations over a 28-point plan for Ukraine intensify, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warns of a "deep threat" to Europe’s security architecture. Merz outlines Europe’s leverage, Africa’s growing role in global politics, and speaks about his hopes that China could push Russia toward ending the war.

In this engaging discussion, Steven Beardsley, a business and economics expert, delves into the current pension reform rebellion among young conservative MPs in Germany. He highlights the significant economic implications of their defiance, which threatens coalition stability. The podcast explores demographic shifts affecting pensions, the risk of increased budget spending, and growing tensions within the CDU. Beardsley also discusses how a substantial investment package could stimulate future growth while addressing intergenerational fairness amidst looming political battles.

It’s a deal: Germany’s coalition has agreed to restart military conscription from January 2026. DW's Berlin Briefing hosts Michaela Küfner and Nina Haase speak to Marcel Bohnert, deputy head of the Bundeswehr Association and Quentin Gärtner from Germany’s school pupils' association about the new model that will make it compulsory for 18-year-old men to undergo an armed forces physical test.

Daniel Thym, a migration expert, explores the complexities of Germany's deportation laws, while Aya Ibrahim shares her firsthand insights from war-torn Syria. Michaela Küfner discusses the political fallout from Foreign Minister Wadephul's controversial remarks about the safety and conditions in Syria. The trio delve into the legal limits of repatriation, the public's expectations fueled by political narratives, and the challenges of returning Syrians, all while pondering Germany's responsibility to rebuild the war-torn nation.

What does it take to get Europe defense-ready — and how soon must it act? In this Berlin Briefing from the Berlin Global Dialogue, DW’s Michaela Küfner speaks with EU Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius and DW’s Alexandra von Nahmen about Europe’s response to Russian provocations, the urgency of military preparedness, and whether EU member states are truly united in facing the threat.