POLITICO Berlin Playbook POLITICO Berlin Playbook

Wie Merz es mit China aufnimmt

Jun 18, 2026 · 18m

Summary

This episode examines the EU summit’s focus on China’s unfair trade practices and Ukraine’s accession timeline, featuring analysis from Hans von der Burchardt. EVP chief Manfred Weber discusses European defense autonomy and NATO relations in a rapid interview. Additionally, reporters detail the AfD’s strategy to potentially split the CDU in Saxony-Anhalt, while Bremen’s mayor discusses federal politics.

Topics discussed

Intro: EU Summit, China strategy, and episode overview EU Summit context: Macron, Trump, and the China focus Interview: EU's new overcapacity instrument and trade risks Interview: Manfred Weber on European defense and Ukraine AfD's Plan B: Potential coalition with CDU in Saxony-Anhalt Grill-up: Interview with Bremen Mayor Andreas Ofenschulte Outro: Birthdays and upcoming episode preview
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