The swansong of Germany’s foreign policy president
Gauck’s commitment to bringing the German people into the conversation has helped to widen the space for a challenge to a stronger German role in European and international security
Note from Berlin
Spain: Southern Europe’s underrated player
In light of its demographic and economic weight and in view of its location at the crossroads of Europe and North Africa, Spain seems to be underrated in the current line-up of the large EU member states
Has Berlin overdone the challenge of migration?
It is now time to look at the collateral damage that Berlin’s desperate attempts to bring numbers down have meant for the EU system as a whole
Poland: Europe’s unlikely influencer
Poland appears to be firmly anchored among the six large member states of the EU, seen as more important than Spain
Time to start talking Turkey with Erdoğan
Angela Merkel needs a set of policy alternatives that she can build on if Erdoğan does, in fact, let her down, or if he continues to raise the price tag, strengthening the voice of her critics at home and in Europe as a whole
Is Austria turning blue?
The unexpected win for the FPÖ in Austria had eurosceptics across the continent proclaiming the righteousness of their cause, but the result betrays a deeper political malaise in Austrian society
Merkel and Obama: fault lines behind a friendly face
If Obama’s visit to the United Kingdom and Germany confirmed anything, it was the extent to which America’s political elites worry about the strength and unity of Europe.
Germany’s defence doublespeak
While Germany's role in security is of increasing importance, German politicians must downplay it for a domestic audience
France and Germany: Europe’s stalling engine
Despite Europe's various crises, the bond of cooperation between France and Germany has not been in evidence
Xi’s visit to the Czech Republic
China’s push to deepen bilateral relations with EU member states may further increase the divisions on China within the EU