Europe News Friedrich Merz sworn in as Germany's next chancellor Merz must secure 316 votes in the 630-seat strong lower chamber of German parliament in order to become chancellor. 06/05/2025
Europe News Germany's CDU/CSU and SPD leaders sign coalition agreement in Berlin CDU party leader Friedrich Merz, set to be sworn in as Germany's new chancellor, pledged that the three parties would "vigorously get to work." 05/05/2025
No Comment Germany’s Union bloc and Social Democrats sign coalition deal Germany’s centre-right CDU and centre-left SPD have formally signed a coalition agreement, clearing the way for Friedrich Merz to become the country’s next chancellor. 05/05/2025
Germany Germany's AfD files lawsuit over 'right-wing extremist' designation The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution last week designated the AfD as a right-wing extremist organisation, meaning authorities can step up their surveillance of the party. 05/05/2025
Brussels, My Love? Brussels, my love? The EPP showcasing power and unity in Valencia In this week's edition of Brussels, my love?, panelists debate the power of the European People's Party inside the European Union. 03/05/2025
Europe News The EU’s biggest political party met in Valencia – what we learned As the European People's Party met in Valencia at a gathering overshadowed by a power cuts across Spain and Portugal this week, here are some of the key takeaways. 30/04/2025
Europe News Merz to Europe: There's a new sheriff in town - Analysis While Germany's chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz is already plagued by criticism and sinking poll numbers at home, his EU partners are eagerly awaiting him on the Brussels scene. They expect him to replace the dullness of his predecessor with strong leadership - and Merz is willing to deliver. 23/04/2025
Europe News What to expect from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit to Poland Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz has plans to visit Warsaw before expected new Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to be sworn in in the first week of May. What does his visit mean for Polish-German relations? 15/04/2025
Germany German parliament set to elect Merz as chancellor on 6 May Friedrich Merz's Christian Democrats (CDU), the Christian Social Union (CSU) and the Social Democrats (SPD) last week struck a coalition deal. 14/04/2025
Europe News Germany is open to sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine, says Merz The chancellor-in-waiting said Kyiv must be allowed to 'get ahead'. 14/04/2025
Europe News Hawks v doves: How EU member states are facing off amid US trade war During the 90-day pause in transatlantic trade tensions, the EU is aiming to refine its strategy for addressing US tariffs, while hoping to enter into negotiations with Washington. However, the bloc remains divided between hawks and doves on how best to proceed. 11/04/2025
Europe News 'Germany back on track,' says CDU's Merz as new coalition agreed Germany's chancellor in waiting promises an end to instability and to make the country more competitive. 09/04/2025
Europe News Germany's CDU and SPD reach deal on new coalition government The centre-right CDU and its sister party, CSU, have agreed on a joint coalition agreement with the centre-left SPD, which they plan to present on Wednesday afternoon. 09/04/2025
Europe News Setback for Merz: AfD ties with CDU/CSU in poll for first time Many voters seem disappointed with the coalition negotiations carried out so far by the CDU/CSU. According to the latest Sunday Insa poll from Bild, the CDU/CSU has dropped to 24%, now tying with the AfD. This marks an all-time low for the Conservatives. 05/04/2025
Europe News German coalition talks reach crucial next level The coalition parties most likely to form the new German government have intensified talks. 28/03/2025
Germany Germany's upper house clears historic defence spending bill The package, which will allow for a large increase in military expenditure, passed through the Bundesrat despite objections from several smaller parties. 21/03/2025
Europe News Germany's parliament passes historic package boosting defence spending Friedrich Merz needed the support of two-thirds majority in parliament for his plan to unlock billions for defence and infrastructure spending. 18/03/2025
Economy European stocks, euro rally as Germany strikes historic debt deal Germany’s next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, struck a deal to loosen borrowing limits, unleashing €500 billion for defence and infrastructure. Markets surged, while analysts debated its impact on inflation and ECB rate policy. 14/03/2025
Germany Germany's Friedrich Merz faces rocky road to lift debt brake rules Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz wants to alter Germany's strict fiscal rules to massively boost defence spending, the Greens are standing in his way. 14/03/2025
Europe News Germany's Greens publicly oppose Merz's debt brake reform Election winner and Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz is relying on votes from the Greens to push through parliament a special fund for infrastructure and defence. 10/03/2025