Topic of the Day • Table.Briefings

September 8th, 2025

France: What happens after the confidence vote

François Bayrou's government is about to come to an end. If he resigns, President Macron will have to choose between a new government and new elections.

By Claire Stam

Topic of the Day | Ukraine-Krieg

September 5th, 2025

Ukraine: This is how the coalition of the willing intends to convince Trump

With the Ukraine meeting in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed several audiences: his electorate, Kyiv's supporters and, in particular, Donald Trump. The US president's position is crucial for the coalition of the willing.

By Nana Brink, Gabriel Bub and Viktor Funk

Topic of the Day | Ukraine-Krieg

September 5th, 2025

Ukraine: This is how the coalition of the willing intends to convince Trump

With the Ukraine meeting in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed several audiences: his electorate, Kyiv's supporters and, in particular, Donald Trump. The US president's position is crucial for the coalition of the willing.

By Nana Brink, Gabriel Bub and Viktor Funk

Topic of the Day | Handelsstreit

August 27th, 2025

Trade deal: How the EU is dealing with Trump's latest threats

The US President has announced tariffs in response to digital regulations. Nevertheless, the Commission is sticking to the supposed deal between the EU and the US. It intends to present a proposal to reduce industrial tariffs this week.

By Janos Allenbach-Ammann

Topic of the Day | Banken

August 26th, 2025

Bank consolidations: EU Commission advocates cross-border consolidation

While the German government is against the Italian takeover of Commerzbank, the EU Commission is in favor of cross-border takeovers. It warns that it will use "all available means" to remove national barriers.

By Janos Allenbach-Ammann and Alexander Wiedmann

Topic of the Day | Handelspolitik

August 22nd, 2025

Trade Deal: The EU Parliament now has a say

With the joint declaration, the EU secures limited tariffs on cars and pharmaceuticals. The Commission plans to present a regulatory proposal in August to reduce EU industrial tariffs for the US to zero.

By Janos Allenbach-Ammann

Topic of the Day | Indopazifik

August 20th, 2025

Wadephul's Asia tour: German economy remains underrepresented in Indonesia

German Foreign Minister Wadephul wants to campaign in Indonesia for more German investment. The country still tends to be critical of European involvement. Yet it could be a key partner in diversifying the German economy.

By Marcel Grzanna and Sara Sievert

Topic of the Day | Ukraine

August 18th, 2025

Washington trip: What Europe wants to achieve with Trump

The show meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska is now followed by a visit from Europe and NATO to Washington – side by side with Zelenskiy. The symbolism is clear, but Europe's role in possible peace negotiations remains unclear.

By Lukas Knigge, Stefan Braun and Wilhelmine Stenglin

Topic of the Day | Sicherheitspolitik

August 18th, 2025

Asia visit: Beijing's shadow over Tokyo

The People's Republic of China should also take note of the strategic deepening of German-Japanese relations. The German Foreign Minister's first stop on his Asia visit signals that Germany is serious about strategically upgrading its relationship with Japan.

By Marcel Grzanna

Topic of the Day | Kunststoffe

August 14th, 2025

UN Plastic Conference: Why the climate needs an ambitious conclusion

In Geneva, countries are currently negotiating a global plastic pollution treaty. While fossil fuel-dependent countries block a global treaty, frontrunner countries could also achieve progress with a “plastic club.” How rising plastic production is depleting global CO₂ budgets and what stands in the way of an agreement.

By Nicolas Heronymus