The Eurofile

In this week's episode, Max and Donatienne cover Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's visit to Washington and the state of transatlantic relations as we approach the 100-day mark of the second Trump presidency. Then, they are joined by Janka Oertel, director of the Asia programme and a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), to break down how big changes in US trade policy and rising transatlantic tensions affect the EU-China trade and diplomatic relationship.

Following announcements from President Donald Trump of sweeping new tariffs, Max and Donatienne discuss the fallout from last week's “Liberation Day” with economist and international trade expert, Federico Steinberg: a Visiting Fellow with the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program and Prince of Asturias Distinguished Visiting Professor at Georgetown University. This episode dives deeply into the impact of these tariffs and what may come next for Europe.

This week, Max and Donatienne discuss the state of Turkey's democracy after the jailing of Istanbul's mayor days before becoming presidential candidate, the latest European Council meeting and a new EU white paper for European defense. Then, our hosts turn to a conversation with Tom Wright, senior fellow at Brookings and former Senior Director for Strategic Planning at the United States National Security Council (NSC) in the Biden administration, to discuss his recent article in Foreign Affairs outlining a U.S. strategy for Russia-Ukraine negotiations. Learn more: Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts The Right U.S. Strategy for Russia-Ukraine Negotiations | Foreign Affairs

In this week's episode, Max and Donatienne discuss the state of Germany's post-election politics, including the future of the debt brake and upcoming coalition talks, and highlight the latest European Council meeting, European security, and Ukraine. Then, Max shares his key takeaways from a visit to Brussels before turning to a conversation with Phil Luck, director of the CSIS Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business, to discuss a looming transatlantic trade fight. Learn more: Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts

In a special crossover episode with CSIS's The Truth of the Matter, Max Bergmann joins Andrew Schwartz to debrief his recent trip to meet with European diplomats in Brussels and Paris and discuss a possible United States divorce from our allies in Europe. Economic disputes, defense spending disagreements, and differing approaches to Russia and China have further widened the gap between the transatlantic allies. This episode dives into new developments as European leaders question the long-term reliability of U.S. commitments to NATO and regional security, as well as the impact on European allies as Washington shifts its strategic focus toward the Indo-Pacific. 

Max and Donatienne break down the results of German election and discuss what a new government could mean for the Germany's economic trajectory. They then welcome Sander Tordoir, chief economist at the Centre for European Reform, to discuss Germany's economic malaise and preview how a new German government may impact the European economy. Learn more: Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts

In this crossover episode with the Truth of the Matter, Max Bergmann joins Host Andrew Schwartz to discuss the current state of European security, the potential for a U.S.-Europe tech war, how Ukraine negotiations might evolve, and more.

Max and Donatienne discuss how the EU can respond to Trump's tariffs and whether EU doomerism is overstated. They then turn to a conversation with Anu Bradford, Professor of Law and International Organization at Columbia Law School, to discuss how Washington and Brussels might clash over tech regulation in the second Trump administration.  Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts 

Max and Donatienne recap Donald Trump and Ursula von der Leyen's speeches at the World Economic Forum in Davos before previewing European tech regulation during Trump's second term. Then, they turn to a conversation with Federico Rampini, Global Columnist for Corriere della Sera, to discuss Prime Minister Georgia Meloni's tenure, the state of the Italian economy, and what the second Trump administration means for Italy and the EU.  Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts 

Max, Donatienne, and Otto discuss Trump's recent statements about Greenland and the reactions to Elon Musk's interjections into European politics. They are then joined by Jeremy Cliffe, editorial director and senior fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, to preview the upcoming German elections and Europe's approach to Trump's return to the White House.  Learn more:  Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts  The Merz doctrine: What a CDU-led government would mean for German foreign policy | ECFR  Searching for Deutschland Podcast - Apple Podcasts 

Max and Donatienne recap the major stories that shaped 2024 and look ahead at the coming year. They are then joined by Georgina Wright, Senior Fellow and Deputy Director for International Studies at Institut Montaigne, for a discussion on the political turmoil currently roiling France. Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts 

Max and Donatienne are joined by Dan Kelemen and Federico Steinberg to discuss the implications of Trump's return to the White House for US-EU relations, including the transatlantic economy and Europe's efforts to strengthen the rule of law. Learn more: Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts

Max and Donatienne are joined by Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Jim Townsend, hosts of the Brussels Sprouts podcast at the Center for a New American Security, to discuss the implications of Trump's return to the White House for European security, Ukraine, and US-Europe relations. Learn more: Brussels Sprouts  Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts 

Max and Donatienne discuss the implications for Europe from Trump's imminent return to the White House. Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts 

Max and Donatienne are joined by Cecilia Malmström, former European commissioner for trade (from 2014 to 2019) and European commissioner for home affairs (from 2010 to 2014), to discuss the evolution of the EU's trade policy, EU-China ties on trade, and the state of transatlantic economic and trade relations.  Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts 

Max and Donatienne discuss the latest European Council meeting and Biden's ‘farewell' trip to Germany (00.43). Then, they turn to a conversation with Mij Rahman, the managing director for Europe at Eurasia Group, to discuss priorities and challenges facing the new European Commission, and the current state of French politics (14.35).  Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts 

Max and Donatienne recap Max's recent Europe trip and discuss the EU's lackluster approach to the Middle East one year after the October 7 attacks (05:36). Then, they turn to a conversation with Tom Nuttall, The Economist's chief Germany correspondent and head of the Berlin bureau, about the state of German politics (14:18).

Max and Donatienne discuss Ursula von der Leyen's proposed College of Commissioners for her second term as Commission President (00:38). Then, they turn to a conversation with Simone Tagliapietra, senior fellow at Bruegel, about the state of Europe's energy transition and the EU's evolving climate policies (16:44).    Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts  Power Plays: Europe's Response to the Energy Crisis (csis.org)

Max and Donatienne discuss the formation of a new French government after Emmanuel Macron picked former chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier as Prime Minister. Then, they briefly discuss two regional elections in East Germany and the outline of Ursula von der Leyen's new European Commission. Finally, they turn to a conversation with Federico Steinberg, visiting fellow with the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia program and senior analyst at Elcano, about the long-awaited Draghi report on the European Union's competitiveness.    Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts  Europe's Fiscal Crossroads (csis.org)  Power Plays: Europe's Response to the Energy Crisis (csis.org) 

Max and Donatienne are joined by Sophia Besch, Tara Varma, and Liana Fix for a summer special conversation on the Washington, DC think tank scene from a European perspective.   Sophia Besch is a senior fellow in the Europe Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Her area of expertise is European defense policy. Tara Varma is a visiting fellow at the Center of the United States and Europe at Brookings. Her research focus includes current French security proposals in the European framework, as well as ongoing efforts to materialize European sovereignty in traditional and non-traditional security fields. Liana Fix is a fellow for Europe at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). She is a historian and political scientist with expertise in German and European foreign and security policy, European security, transatlantic relations, Russia, Eastern Europe, and European China policy.  Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts 

Max and Donatienne discuss Ursula von der Leyen being confirmed for a second term as Commission President, the turbulent start to Hungary's presidency of the Council of the European Union, and President Biden's decision not to run for reelection in November. Then, they turn to a conversation with Chris Johnstone, senior adviser and Japan Chair at CSIS, to discuss his recent report co-authored with Max Bergmann titled “Europe's Security Role in the Indo-Pacific: Making It Meaningful.”   Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts  Europe's Security Role in the Indo-Pacific: Making It Meaningful 

Max and Donatienne recap the recent NATO summit in Washington, DC (00:48) and discuss the fallout from the French legislative elections (04:55). Then, they turn to a conversation with Camille Grand, Distinguished Policy Fellow at ECFR, to discuss the implications of the NATO summit on European security (16:26).    Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts  Policy Brief: Defending Europe with less America 

Max and Donatienne discuss the recent nominations for top EU jobs, as Ursula von der Leyen stays in pole position to secure another five-year term as Commission president (00:44). Then, they turn to a conversation with Marcus Roberts, Chief of Public Data at YouGov, to preview the UK elections and discuss broader trends in European politics (13:57).    Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts  New Report: Europe's Security Role in the Indo-Pacific: Making It Meaningful  New Commentary: The United States Should Press the European Union to Act on Eurobonds for Ukraine

Max and Donatienne discuss the results from the European Parliament elections where the far-right made significant gains but failed to deliver a decisive blow to the incumbent centrist coalition (01:07). Then, they turn to a bold move by French President Emmanuel Macron to dissolve parliament and call snap elections after his liberal Renaissance party fared poorly in the EP election (07:50). Finally, they turn to a conversation with Lieutenant General Michiel van der Laan, the Director General of the EU Military Staff, for a conversation on the EU's evolving role in defense policy and military affairs (15:33).    Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts 

Max and Donatienne discuss the latest polling figures for the European Parliament election (1:00) and Rishi Sunak's decision to call an early election in the U.K. on July 4th (7:34). Then, they look ahead to President Biden's state visit to France, in part to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day (12:16). Finally, they turn to a conversation with Dan Kelemen, who holds the McCourt Chair at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University and is a non-resident senior associate with the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia program, to preview the European Parliament election (15:33).    Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts 

Max and Donatienne discuss the assassination attempt on Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico (0:53) and the announcement of a new Dutch government (0:53). Then, they turn to a conversation with Jude Blanchette, Freeman Chair in China Studies at CSIS, for a conversation about President Xi's recent trip to Europe and the state of Sino-Russian ties (18:54).    Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts  Pekingology | CSIS Podcasts 

For today's special bonus episode, Max sat down with Tinatin Japaridze and Eto Buziashvili to discuss the ongoing protests taking place in Georgia. Georgian civil society is mobilizing yet again in opposition to the controversial "foreign agents" law being pushed by the ruling Georgian Dream party.  Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts 

Max and Donatienne discuss Emmanuel Macron's latest speech about the future of Europe (0:55). Then, they will begin to unpack the EU parliamentary election (08:53) before briefly discussing Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent visit to Europe (14:55). Finally, we will turn to a conversation with Rebecca Christie, Senior Fellow at Bruegel, for a conversation about the Enrico Letta report and the European single market (18:54).    Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts  EU bank-saving raid can boost tired capital market  EU savers need a single-market place to invest  EU's spending snags spoil joint borrowing success  Strengthening EU competitivenss 

Max's Ukraine trip and the passage by the U.S. Congress of a national security supplemental (0:48), foreign interference (15:43), Ivo Daalder (23:22)  Max and Donatienne discuss Max's trip to Ukraine and the long-awaited passage of a U.S. national security supplemental (00:48). Then, they briefly discuss the recent flurry of foreign influence attempts by Russia and China in European politics (15:43). Finally, a conversation with Ambassador Ivo Daalder, former U.S. Ambassador to NATO and CEO of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs (23:22).  Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts  Back in Stock? The State of Russia's Defense Industry after Two Years of the War After the Supplemental, Ukraine's Path Forward  What Ukraine Needs From NATO | Foreign Affairs

Donatienne and Otto discuss the recent meeting of NATO foreign ministers, including the Secretary-General Stoltenberg's idea to set up a five-year, €100 billion fund to continue supporting Ukraine (01:03). Then, they will briefly discuss the latest meeting of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council in Leuven, Belgium (11:15) and the results from the Slovak presidential election (19:16). Finally, a conversation with Ignacio Molina, Senior Analyst at the Elcano Royal Institute to discuss Spain's foreign and EU policy (23:52).  Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts 

Max and Donatienne discuss the recent European Council meeting and the implications for Ukraine and European defense. Then, they turn to recent developments in Central and Eastern Europe, including Slovakia's presidential election and the latest turmoil in negotiations to form a new Bulgarian government. Finally, Max and Donatienne turn to a conversation with Jeff Rathke, President of the American-German Institute to discuss the latest developments in German politics.   Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts  A More European NATO 

Max and Donatienne discuss the recent Franco-German spat on Ukraine and the direction of European defense before turning to the EU's new defense industrial strategy. Then, Max talks to Ambassador Charles Fries, Deputy Secretary General for Peace, Security and Defense at the European External Action Service (EEAS), about the EU's role as a defense actor.  Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts  The European Union Charts Its Own Path for European Rearmament 

Max and Donatienne discuss Ursula von der Leyen's bid for a second term as European Commission President and Dutch PM Mark Rutte vying to succeed Jens Stoltenberg as NATO Secretary General. Finally, Max and Donatienne are joined by Ilaria Mazzocco, senior fellow with the Trustee Chair in Chinese Business and Economics at CSIS, for a conversation on growing European dependencies on China for climate technologies and China's EV export boom.    Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts  Green Industrial Policy: A Holistic Approach  Balancing Act: Managing European Dependencies on China for Climate Technologies  Electric Shock: Interpreting China's Electric Vehicle Export Boom 

Max and Donatienne discuss former President Donald Trump's latest comments on NATO from the campaign trail in South Carolina and the reactions in Europe. Then, they briefly cover the recent protests by European farmers and the reemergence of a power-sharing government in Northern Ireland. Finally, Max and Donatienne are joined by Emily Benson, director of the CSIS Project on Trade and Technology and Senior Fellow with the CSIS Scholl Chair in International Business, to discuss the EU-US Trade and Technology Council.

Max and Donatienne discuss Ukraine's continued struggle to secure funding from the European Union. Then, we will turn to a conversation with Catherine Belton from the Washington Post on Russian attempts to influence European politics. Catherine reports on Russia and has written extensively on the Russian elite and security services.    Learn more:    Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts  Europe Needs a Paradigm Shift in How It Supports Ukraine

Max and Donatienne discuss the recent efforts to continue EU funding for Ukraine. Then, they are joined by Marcus Roberts, Chief of Public Data at Yougov, for a conversation about polling trends ahead of a major election year in Europe.    Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts  Europe Needs a Paradigm Shift in How It Supports Ukraine 

Max and Otto discuss the recent reforms of the EU's Stability and Growth Pact and what it portends for the European Union in 2024. Then, Max is joined by Jim Townsend, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for European and NATO Policy and current adjunct senior fellow in the Transatlantic Security Program with the Center for a New American Security, for a conversation about European defense and next year's NATO summit in Washington, DC.    Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts  Why the Washington Summit Should Focus on Europe  

Max and Donatienne recap the recent European Council meeting, where EU leaders agreed to open accession negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova but failed to agree on a $55 billion aid package. Then, they discuss some key events and developments from the past year and what they may portend for the year ahead.    Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts 

Max and Donatienne recap the recent elections in the Netherlands where the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) secured a surprising victory. Then, they cover the latest turmoil following the German constitutional court's decision to strike down the government's attempt to repurpose COVID funds. Finally, Max is joined by R. Dan Kelemen, Senior Associate with the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program and the McCourt Chair at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University. Max and Dan discuss Hungary's most recent attempt to block EU support for Ukraine ahead of a crucial December meeting at the European Council.    Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts 

Max and Donatienne discuss a recent major blow to Germany's environmental strategy, Spain's prime minister Pedro Sanchez officially forming a new government, the resignation of Portuguese PM Antonio Costa, and the EU's artillery promise to Ukraine falling flat. Then, Max is joined for a conversation with Rym Momtaz, consultant research fellow for European foreign policy and security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), on Emmanuel Macron and French foreign policy.    Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts 

Max and Donatienne first discuss Ursula von der Leyen's visit to Kyiv and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's call for bold EU reforms. Then, they are joined for an ‘exit interview' with Stavros Lambrinidis, Ambassador of the European Union to the United States, as his time in Washington, DC comes to a close.  Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts 

Max and Donatienne first discuss the Polish election results and their broader implications for Europe. Then, they review the recent EU-US summit in Washington, D.C. Lastly, Max is joined for a conversation with David Lammy, the UK Shadow Foreign Secretary and Labour MP for Tottenham.     Learn more:   Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts   Poland's Election Could Transform the European Union  The Future of British Foreign Policy: A Conversation with UK Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP