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At the formation of new governments, it has become an element of German political kitsch to quote from Hermann Hesse’s poem ‘Steps.’ Well, at least the famous line, “A magic dwells in every beginning.” Nonetheless, the talks leading to Germany’s new 'traffic lights coalition' were not particularly magical. Its name comes from the colours of its three parties: the red Social Democrats, the yellow Free Democrats, and the green, well, Greens. Read more

In the past year, the 26 members of the European Defence Agency (EDA) have spent €186 billion on their militaries. But what is all that spending worth when even a few thousand refugees camping out in Belarus reveal how fragile and vulnerable Europe’s external borders are? Read more

The world’s major economies are walking into the next global financial crisis. Moreover, their authorities do not seem willing to change direction. Read more

It will not just be the last General Council meeting of the European Central Bank for the year when it meets on December 2. It will also be the end of an era. Read more

James Michael Curley, Mayor of Boston four times between 1914 and 1950, knew how to win an election. Curley’s key to victory? Read more

This year’s Nobel Peace Prize was an inspired choice. By recognising Dmitry Muratov and Maria Ressa, two journalists working in adverse conditions in Russia and the Philippines, the Nobel Committee sent a powerful message to support an independent media. Read more

Last Sunday’s election results in Germany were clear. The Christian Democrats, Angela Merkel’s party, lost heavily. Read more