Chancellor Merkel is in Washington, marking his first meeting in office with Donald Trump. Although they have a passing acquaintance, the expectations surrounding this encounter are high.
What to anticipate from the meeting
American observers are keen to understand what this meeting will entail. Will Friedrich Merz receive the full attention of the U.S. President? These pressing questions are explored by Gordon Repinski in conversation with Jonathan Martin in Washington, D.C. Their discussion delves into not just the dynamics of the meeting itself but also how it resonates on the broader political landscape in the United States.
NATO discussions and political gatherings
In addition to the Merz-Trump meeting, the agenda also includes an overview of today’s NATO defense ministerial meeting in Brussels. Analyst Rixa Fürsen elaborates on the preparations being made beyond the 5% defense spending goal, particularly looking ahead to the upcoming summit in The Hague in a few weeks.
Moreover, in a concise 200-second interview, Ralf Stegner, a prominent figure in the SPD foreign affairs sector, joins Gordon to discuss the potential reinstatement of military conscription, as well as the left’s perspective on this issue.
Finally, the political scene in Berlin continues to buzz with activity. Pauline von Pezold provides insights into the latest Lobby Summer Evening event, hosted by the automation industry.
The Berlin Playbook is available as a podcast each morning at 5 AM, with Gordon Repinski and the POLITICO team delivering a compact, Europe-focused briefing on the latest political developments. For those looking for comprehensive coverage, the Berlin Playbook newsletter offers the essential topics and analyses every morning. Subscribe for free to stay informed.
Stay connected with Gordon Repinski, host of the Berlin Playbook and Executive Editor at POLITICO in Germany, on social media: Instagram: @gordon.repinski | X: @GordonRepinski.