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Germany's high-stakes EU gamble over Russia

Nina Haase
December 19, 2025

Germany’s chancellor demanded a breakthrough. The EU summit delivered mixed results: Ukraine funding secured, Mercosur delayed. Is Friedrich Merz cementing Germany’s leadership—or exposing Europe to unnecessary risks? Berlin Briefing host Nina Haase, DW Chief Political Editor Michaela Küfner and Daniel Goffart (WirtschaftsWoche) unpack the stakes, the style, and what this means for 2026.

https://p.dw.com/p/55jJv

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
01:00 EU summit results vs Merz position
05:28 Europeans say no to Merz' idea
09:20 How much does Merz help keep Europe at the table?
12:33 What drives Merz?
17:00 How Merz is NOT Merkel
19:31 Why is Merz so firm on Ukraine?
26:03 Does Merz promise too much?

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From Trump's victory, the German government collapse, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to evolving European security dynamics, this video podcast explores how these events impact Germany and the wider region.

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