Germany’s chancellor tops the wrong rankings: approval is at a record low and the AfD has overtaken the CDU/CSU in some polls. But do polls really capture Friedrich Merz’s performance? In this episode, DW Berlin Bureau chief Maximilian Hofmann speaks with DW Chief Political Editor Michaela Küfner, Dr. Roland Abold from polling institute infratest dimap and Berlin-based French journalist Luc André.

Germany and Ukraine have declared a new strategic partnership - but how much substance is behind the signal? In this episode, host Michaela Küfner discusses with her guests Gerlinde Niehus, a NATO expert and DW’s Nina Haase and Nick Connolly whether Ukraine is shifting from aid recipient to security provider - and what that means for Europe’s defense strategy amid competing global crises.

Hungary is heading into one of its most consequential elections in years - and all of Europe is watching closely. Officially, Berlin says it remains neutral. Unofficially, the stakes could hardly be higher. In this episode of Berlin Briefing, host Max Hofmann breaks down the key issues shaping Hungary’s upcoming election with Dora Diseri from DW’s Hungarian Service and EU expert Kai-Olaf Lang.

The energy shock from the Iran war is felt around the world, and in Germany, too. As rising prices hit consumers, the government is struggling to find a response. How should Europe's largest economy fuel itself in a world where fossils can become a political liability?

Host Nina Haase goes looking for answers with Greens MP Robin Wagener, DGAP energy expert Loyle Campbell and DW’s Bernd Riegert.

Germany’s governing parties in Chancellor Merz’s coalition have just faced a moment of truth. The need for drastic reforms is hitting home in the Social Democratic Party (SPD), which suffered another electoral blow this week. Host Michaela Küfner discusses with DW’s Max Hofmann, Matthew Moore, and expert Marcel Fratzscher the current economic struggles the governing parties are facing.

As Washington pressures Europe over the Iran war, Germany is stuck between needing US support for Ukraine and not participating in the war in Iran. How has Berlin’s position evolved since the US and Israel launched their strikes? Host Max Hofmann speaks with Sudha David-Wilp (GMF), DW’s Michaela Küfner and Teri Schultz about the new relationship status of the US and Germany.

Germany enters a defining political year as five regional elections could shift power amid energy tensions. The Greens surge in Baden‑Württemberg with Cem Özdemir, while the SPD’s slump raises reform doubts.

After the strikes on Iran, Europe is split and Germany must balance allies, international law, and growing instability. In Washington, Friedrich Merz confronts an unpredictable political climate and shifting power dynamics. Host Nina Haase discusses the aftermath of Merz’s DC visit with DW’s chief political editor Michaela Küfner and DW’s Washington bureau chief Ines Pohl.

As the fight against the Iranian regime hits European Union territory, host Michaela Küfner unpacks the latest strikes, Iran’s internal turmoil, and how this latest escalation pushes German Chancellor Merz to put the necessity to stand by his allies, the US and Israel, above international law. DW’s Richard Walker and Niloofar Gholami offer their perspectives on this history in the making.

Germany is bracing for the impact of a massive ‘China shock’ as trade imbalances and supply-chain risks threaten its economy. On his first Beijing visit as chancellor, Friedrich Merz urges China to act — but does he have leverage? And how firm is his derisking push, given resistance from German business? Richard Walker breaks it down with Michaela Küfner and Thorsten Benner (GPPi).