18 young conservative MPs have rebelled against the pension reform - threatening the coalition between conservatives and social democrats. Is this Friedrich Merz’s biggest stability test yet? DW’s Michaela Küfner, Nina Haase and Steven Beardsley break down the demographics, the economics, and the political drama behind Germany’s pension showdown.

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.

Germany’s conservatives are in turmoil after Foreign Minister Wadephul’s visit to Syria. His remarks about the country’s dire living conditions — and the unlikelihood of large-scale returns — have sparked backlash within his own party. Is the push for repatriation grounded in reality — or is it just political theater? Nina Haase breaks it down with Daniel Thym, Aya Ibrahim, and Michaela Küfner.

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.

Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz just said that the world is witnessing 'the provisional end of a rules-based multilateral order.' So, is Germany abandoning its role as a champion of international law? DW’s Chief Political Editor Michaela Küfner breaks down the global power shift with Thorsten Benner, Director of the Global Public Policy Institute, and Ines Pohl, DW Washington Bureau Chief.

Monday saw a dramatic public hearing where the heads of Germany's top intelligence agencies warned: "We're already in the fire." Facing sabotage, hybrid warfare, and Russian espionage, they're asking for more powers and fewer controls—and hinting at a shift toward offensive tactics.

Germany's AfD is knocking on Washington's door—and Trump's team is answering. Over the last few months, AfD politicians have met with US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, and received open support from Trump allies during Germany's election. In this episode, we ask: Why is the AfD seeking US backing? Where do the AfD and the MAGA movement align—and where do they clash?

What’s behind Russia’s latest provocations against the West? What should NATO’s strategy be? In this special episode of Berlin Briefing at the Warsaw Security Forum, DW’s Nina Haase and Richard Walker speak with Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur and Michael Carpenter, Senior Fellow at the IISS, about NATO’s dilemma towards Russia.

157 UN member states have recognized Palestine as a state. Not Germany. Or not yet? The German government says it supports a two-state solution, but it insists that recognition must come at the end of a peace process—not before. So what's standing in the way? To unpack Germany’s delicate balancing act, host Nina Haase is joined by DW’s Sarah Hofmann, Aya Ibrahim and Michaela Küfner.

Germany’s social security system is under pressure - from rising costs, an aging population, and political deadlock. In this episode, DW’s Michaela Küfner discusses with Prof. Nicola Fuchs-Schündeln (WZB), and DW’s Matthew Moore - whether Germany can still afford its welfare state in the long term and whether Friedrich Merz’s coalition will agree on meaningful reforms.