The Eurofile
Hosted by Max Bergmann and Donatienne Ruy from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, this podcast examines European affairs through a Washington perspective. It covers major issues in Europe, including developments in Brussels, European elections, and transatlantic relations. New episodes are released every other Thursday.
Episodes
Hybrid Attacks and Political Whiplash: Germany, Greenland, and Burnham's EU Push
Max and Otto discuss Andy Burnham’s push to improve UK relations with the EU, the new deal signed by the U.S., Denmark and Greenland, and warnings of escalating Russian hybrid attacks in Europe. Then, Max is joined by Jeremy Cliffe, editorial director and senior fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, to make sense of the current political situation in Germany – AfD victories in regio
The (Associate) European Union and a Transatlantic Tech Update
Max is joined by Lexi Linafelter to discuss key takeaways from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's State of the Union address (September 16, 2026). Then he turns to a conversation with Emily Benson for an update on the state of transatlantic technology relations — exploring Europe's AI ambitions, digital sovereignty concerns, regulatory friction with U.S.
Brussels is Back: the EU's Autumn Agenda with Henry Foy
Max sits down with Otto Svendsen, associate fellow with the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia program, to discuss the week's biggest transatlantic stories: Iceland's vote on reopening EU accession talks, the fallout from Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby's visit to NATO headquarters (including a reported loyalty questionnaire for allies), and European reactions to CIA Director John Ratcliff
France's Far Right, Burnham's New Britain, and Europe’s Autumn Agenda
As European summer winds down, The Eurofile is back with a packed agenda. Max sits down with Mujtaba Rahman, Managing Director for Europe at the Eurasia Group, to discuss shifting dynamics in France’s far-right, with Marine Le Pen poised to return to the presidential ballot. They discuss the UK's new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who’s kicked o
Germany's China Problem: What Can Europe Do About It?
Max sits down with Sander Tordoir, Chief Economist at the Centre for European Reform and Senior Associate (Non-resident) with the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program to discuss his latest report: China shock 2.0: The cost of Germany's complacency – which argues that surging Chinese exports are hurting Germany's auto and machinery sectors and threatening Europe's economic model. They dig into
Burnham Takes the Wheel in Westminster, Le Pen Is on the Ballot Again, and Max Reflects on Budapest
Max sits down with guest-host Lexi Linafelter, Program Coordinator and Research Assistant with the CSIS Europe, Russia and Eurasia program to discuss Max's recent trip to Budapest and new leadership across the Atlantic. They discuss key takeaways from the NATO Summit in Ankara, old challenges facing new
The Eurofile LIVE: German Rearmament and Reflections on NATO's Ankara Summit
Dr. Liana Fix, a senior fellow for Europe at the Council on Foreign Relations, joins Max on The Eurofile for a bonus episode focused on key takeaways from this week's NATO summit in Ankara. They discuss the summit's outcomes and what they reveal about the shifting balance of responsibility between the U.S. and Europe, including a loo
Europe Will Survive; But Will It Prosper? feat. David Marsh
Max sits down with David Marsh, co-founder and chairman of the OMFIF economic research group and former Financial Times Europe editor, to discuss his new book Can Europe Survive? The Story of a Continent in a Fractured World. They discuss how the European project, the Euro, and Brexit have affected transatlantic relations, and what it would mean for Europe to prosper, not just survive, as a global
The World Cup Kicks off, a Busy Week in Europe, and Farewell, Donatienne!
Max and Donatienne discuss the World Cup kickoff, the G7 summit, European Council meeting, and the early steps of Hungary's new government under Péter Magyar.
This is Donatienne’s final episode as a co-host of The Eurofile, marking her transition away from CSIS to a new position in Washington. We will miss her dearly and thank her for three incredible years with the team!
Keep up with Donatienne
10 Years of Brexit feat. Tom McTague
Max and Donatienne sit down with Tom McTague, Editor in Chief at the New Statesman and author of Between the Waves: The Hidden History of a Very British Revolution 1945–2016, to discuss how the history of EU-UK relations set up this split, the state of British-EU relations today, and what has or has not changed in politics since 2016.Mentioned:
Before the Storm: Barry Goldwater and the Unmaki
100 Episodes: What We Got Right (and Wrong)
Max and Donatienne celebrate 100 episodes of The Eurofile by looking back at the key questions that have defined the show — from European defense and transatlantic tensions to trade, migration, and economic competitiveness. How well did they call it? And what did they miss?
Feedback? Suggestions? Ideas to help us improve? Email us at erep@csis.org
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Reflections from Ukraine, Crisis in the UK, and the EU's Corruption-Fighting Toolkit ft. Kövesi
Max and Donatienne discuss returns from Ukraine with fresh observations on the war and reflects on EU treaty reform and Ukraine's accession prospects. We also look at the political crisis engulfing Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the UK. Later, we sit down with European Chief Prosecutor Laura Codruța Kövesi on the fight against corruption in the EU.
U.S. Troop Withdrawal from Germany and EU Takeaways from the Orbán Era
Max and Donatienne talk about the Trump administration’s announced withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany while simultaneously delaying a planned deployment of long-range Tomahawk missiles. They then turn to a conversation with Dan Kelemen, McCourt Chair at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University, on what the Orbán era in Hungary tells us about how the EU handles democratic b
The End of Orbán and Europe's Energy Crunch
Max and Donatienne cover two seismic European election results: Hungary's stunning rejection of Viktor Orbán after 16 years in power, and Bulgaria's eighth election in five years. Then, they turn to Max’s conversation with Ben McWilliams, affiliate fellow at Bruegel, on the energy fallout from the Iran war.
(00:00) Intro
(00:53) Hungary election results
(15:31) Bulgaria election results
(1
Iran War Fallout and Hungary's Pivotal Election
Max and Donatienne discuss the fallout from the Iran war and this week’s Hungarian election. Then, Max is joined by Federico Steinberg, Prince of Asturias distinguished visiting professor at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and visiting fellow at CSIS, on the war's economic costs for Europe.
(00:00) Intro
(00:45) Iran war fallout
(14:43) Hungary election
(22:38) Federico S
Previewing Hungary’s Election: Will Orbán Be Defeated?
Max and Donatienne are joined by Zselyke Csaky, senior research fellow at the Centre for European Reform, to preview the Hungarian election on April 12.
Learn more:
Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts
What Is at Stake in Hungary’s Election?
Competitiveness, Climate, and Transatlantic Tensions feat. Teresa Ribera
Max and Donatienne are joined by Teresa Ribera—Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition—for a conversation on the EU's economic and climate agenda.
Questions about the EU, NATO, or the latest news in Europe through a Washington lens? We want to hear from you!
Email: erep@csis.org
X: @csiserep
Bluesky: @erep.csis.org
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Incumbents Emerge Bruised from Elections and Europe’s Place in the World with Nathalie Tocci
Max and Donatienne discuss recent elections in Slovenia and Denmark, a referendum on judicial reforms in Italy, and Mark Rutte’s recent statements on the war in Iran. Then, they turn to a conversation with Nathalie Tocci, Director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), for a conversation on Europe’s place in the world.
(00:00) Intro
(00:50) Slovenia election
(04:40) Denmark election
(1
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur on European Defense and the Eastern Flank
Max is joined by Hanno Pevkur, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Estonia, for a discussion about Estonia’s role in European security.
(00:00) Intro
(01:40) The war in Iran
(04:32) Impact of rising energy prices for Russia
(06:49) Impact of Iran war on air defense interceptor stockpiles
(10:39) Outlook for Ukraine’s military
(14:31) State of the transatlantic alliance
(18:39) European
Von der Leyen’s Foreign Policy Power Struggle and the Iran War with Mona Yacoubian
Max and Donatienne discuss the internal power struggle between Ursula von der Leyen and EU member states over who should speak for Europe on foreign policy. They then turn to a conversation with Mona Yacoubian, director and senior adviser of the Middle East Program at CSIS, to discuss the Iran war and Europe’s role in it.
(00:00) Intro
(01:05) Von der Leyen’s foreign policy power struggle
(1
Four Years of War in Ukraine, New Dutch Government, and Europe's China Challenge
Max and Donatienne discuss the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and a new Dutch government. They then turn to a conversation with Jude Blanchette, Distinguished Tang Chair in China Research and Director of the RAND China Research Center, to discuss the state of play in Europe’s China policy.
(00:00) Intro
(00:45) Russia-Ukraine war
(09:11) New Dutch government
(14:39) Jude
MSC Preview and Europe’s Electoral Outlook
Max and Donatienne preview this week’s Munich Security Forum before turning to Max's conversation with Marcus Roberts, CEO of Mandate, to discuss European polling trends and what they portend for the year ahead.
(00:00) Intro
(01:03) MSC Preview
(14:24) Marcus Roberts
Learn more:
Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts
Davos, Greenland, and the EU-India Deal
Max and Donatienne discuss last week's World Economic Forum in Davos, which was dominated by President Trump's tariff threats over Greenland. They then turn to a conversation with Rick Rossow, senior adviser and Chair in India and Emerging Asia Economics at CSIS, about the newly announced EU-India free trade agreement.
(00:00) Intro
(00:51) Davos recap
(20:22) Rick Rossow
Learn more:
Ru
Can Europe Keep Ukraine’s Military Afloat without the U.S.?
Max and Donatienne discuss recent comments by EU defense commissioner Andrius Kubilius about the creation of a European standing army. Then, they turn to a conversation with Michael Kofman, senior fellow in the Russia and Eurasia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, about Europe’s role in the war in Ukraine.
(00:00) Intro
(00:49) European standing army
(09:45) Greenland
Europe’s Frantic Start to 2026
Max and Donatienne discuss last month’s European Council meeting, where leaders failed to agree on the MERCOSUR trade deal but secured continued funding to Ukraine; the mounting US-EU tech fight after the EU fined X for breaching digital safety rules; and the Trump administration’s increasing pressure on Greenland.
(00:00) Intro
(01:18) December EUCO Review
(14:11) US-EU Tech Fight
(20:37) G
Europe’s Make-or-Break Summit
Max and Donatienne discuss recent comments by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declaring the end of ‘Pax Americana’. Then, they preview a high-stakes European Council meeting, where leaders will discuss the Mercosur trade deal and the European Commission’s proposal to leverage frozen Russian assets to provide a crucial loan to Ukraine. Finally, they turn to a conversation with Dr. Thu Nguyen, Act
Live Episode: Europe in the Wake of the 2025 NSS
Max Bergmann sits down with Abraham Newman and Kristine Berzina for a rapid-reaction conversation about the newly released U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS), its implications for the European security landscape, and the key clash at the forefront of transatlantic tech relations. The live video episode was recorded on Monday, December 9, 2025.
Abraham Newman is the director of the BMW Center
Is Europe’s Trade Agenda Evolving?
Max and Donatienne discuss the latest peace negotiations to secure an end to the war in Ukraine. They also cover ongoing talks about implementation of the US–EU trade deal, after US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer met with their EU counterparts in Brussels. Then, they turn to a conversation with Cecilia Malmström, former EU Commissioner for Trade an
The Latest 28-Point Peace Plan for Ukraine
Max speaks with Michael Kimmage about his immediate reactions to the new 28-point peace plan for Ukraine, and the rapid-fire diplomacy taking place in response to its release.
This conversation was recorded on November 24, 2025.
Learn more:
Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts
Is the EU's Center-Right Ready to Work with the Far-Right?
Max and Donatienne discuss a recent vote in the European Parliament where the center-right European People’s Party voted with the far right to approve cuts to EU green rules. Then, they turn to a conversation with Federico Steinberg and Nicolas Véron about the euro and Europe's economic future.
(00:00) Intro
(00:42) European Parliament vote on EU green rules
(17:10) Interview with Federico Stei
Live Episode: Is a New Era Emerging for the Euro?
Max Bergmann is joined by Federico Steinberg and Nicolas Véron for a conversation about Europe's economic future. The discussion covers the Euro’s evolving international role, the rise of stable coins and the digital Euro, and how Europe can chart a fiscally sustainable future.
Federico Steinberg is a visiting fellow with the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program, Prince of Asturias distingui
Dutch Election Surprises and the EU’s Big Money Questions
On the latest episode of The Eurofile, Max and Donatienne discuss the recent Dutch elections, where centrist-liberal party, D66, narrowly secured victory over the far-right Party for Freedom, while EU "big wig," Frans Timmermans, and his GreenLeft-Labor ticket suffered a disappointing defeat. Then, they turn to a conversation with Zsolt Darvas, Senior Fellow at Bruegel, to discuss whether the EU’s
Is Europe’s Approach to Trump Backfiring?
Max and Donatienne discuss the ongoing negotiations over the EU’s next long-term budget and a recent call from the German government to establish a common European stock market. Then, they turn to a conversation with Jeremy Shapiro, Research Director of the European Council on Foreign Relations, to discuss how European leaders have approached Trump. Have they avoided the worst-case scenario or is
Is Europe Abandoning Its Climate Agenda?
Max and Donatienne discuss the recent Czech parliamentary election in which billionaire businessman and former prime minister Andrej Babis and his ANO party roared to a victory (01:00). They also cover last week’s informal European Council summit in Copenhagen, where leaders met to discuss how to bolster the continent’s security (07:33). Finally, they turn to a conversation with Ben McWilliams, af
France in Flux: Lecornu's Tightrope Walk with Sylvie Kauffmann
Max and Donatienne answer listener questions (0:44) before talking with Sylvie Kauffmann, editorial director and columnist at Le Monde, about France’s political turmoil (22:40).
Learn more:
Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts
It's Complicated: A Status Update on EU Trade, Mercosur, and The State of the Union feat. Sander Tordoir and Federico Steinberg
Max and Donatienne are back from summer vacation with a preview of European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union address to European Parliament this week. Then, Sander Tordoir and Federico Steinberg came back on The Eurofile to break down the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, the latest moves in EU trade, and what progress has been made in the past year to implement the The Dr
Are allies or autocrats managing Trump better?
In a special crossover episode with CSIS’s State of Play, Max Bergmann joins Will Todman and Victor Cha to discuss what East Asian and European allies are learning about summits with President Trump and what patterns are emerging about how President Trump engages with autocrats.Learn more:State of Play | CSIS PodcastsStatesmen’s Forum: His Excellency Lee Jae Myung, President of the Republic of K
The Brussels Media Landscape Explained feat. Matthew Kaminski
Max sat down with Matthew Kaminski—co-founder of Politico Europe, former editor-in-chief and former editor-at-large of Politico—to discuss the ethos of Politico Europe, why it’s been successful, and how it fits into the political journalism landscape in Brussels.
Please submit your questions or feedback to erep@csis.org with “Eurofile Listener Feedback” in the subject line.
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R
How Migration Came to Define European Politics with David Leonhardt
Max and Donatienne talk to David Leonhardt, Pulitzer-prize winning journalist and editorial director for The New York Times, about the politics of migration in Europe and the United States.
Please submit your questions or feedback to erep@csis.org with “Eurofile Listener Feedback” in the subject line.
Learn more:
Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts
In an Age of Right-Wing Populism, Why Are
Europe Bends the Knee on Trade and Previewing Denmark’s EU Presidency with Lykke Friis
Max and Donatienne discuss last week’s EU-US trade deal announcement, where European allies agreed to a 15 percent tariff rate on most U.S. imports. Max talks with Lykke Friis, director of the Copenhagen-based think tank Europa, about Denmark’s presidency of the European Union.
Please submit your questions or feedback to erep@csis.org with “Eurofile Listener Feedback” in the subject line.
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The Looming US-EU Trade Collision and a Preview of the EU-China Summit with Noah Barkin
Max and Otto discuss President Trump’s latest tariff threats and the timid European response. Max talks to Noah Barkin, Senior Advisor with Rhodium Group's China practice, to preview next week’s EU-China summit.
Learn more:
Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts
Watching China in Europe—July 2025
NATO’s Brain Death in the Hague and the State of the UK Economy with Professor Sarah Hall
Max and Otto discuss last week’s NATO summit in The Hague, where European allies signed up to a massive new spending pledge. Donatienne talks with Sarah Hall, 1931 Professor of Geography and Fellow of St John’s College, Cambridge University and Deputy Director of UK in a Changing Europe, about the state of the UK economy and Labour’s economic agenda.
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Russian Roulette | CSIS Podc
G7 Tensions, EU Sanctions Galore, and the State of Europe’s Rearmament with Dr. Daniel Fiott
Max and Donatienne discuss this week’s G7 Summit in Canada and the latest round of EU sanctions against Russia. Then, they turn to a conversation with Dr. Daniel Fiott, Head of the Defence and Statecraft Programme at the Centre for Security, Diplomacy and Strategy (CSDS) of the Brussels School of Governance (BSoG), to discuss the state of European defense and Europe’s rearmament.
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Brussels Shudders at Polish Election Results and Max Reports from Europe
Max and Donatienne discuss the second round of the Polish presidential election and its implications for Europe. Then they discuss Max’s recent Europe trip and his impressions from meetings with European officials and experts.
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Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts
The Implications of Poland’s Presidential Election
Elections Extravaganza, an EU-UK Reset, and Merz’s Turbulent Start feat. Jana Puglierin
Max and Donatienne discuss the second round of the Romanian presidential election, Portugal’s parliamentary election, and a new EU-UK deal on post-Brexit relations. Then they turn to a conversation with Jana Puglierin, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations and head of its Berlin office, to discuss the priorities of the new German government.
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Russian Roule
Rest In Peace, the Status Quo: Romanian Elections, a “Brexit Reset,” and Clashes in Transatlantic Tech
On this episode, Max and Donatienne cover the first round of the Romanian presidential election, where George Simion, a hard-right candidate, soared to a first-place finish ahead of the second round on May 18. Since recording this episode on May 5th, major developments, including the resignation and Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and rapid capital flight, have sparked a political crisis. This story
100 Days of Trump 2.0: Transatlantic Tensions with Indo-Pacific Stakes feat. Janka Oertel
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
Europe in a Tariff-Troubled World feat. Federico Steinberg
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 th
Democratic Backsliding in Turkey, Steps Forward for EU Defense, and Decoding US-Russia-Ukraine Negotiations feat. Tom Wright
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 S
The EU at a Crossroads: Big Updates in Germany and the Cost of Trump Tariffs
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 an
European Divorce
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 transat
Can Germany Revive its Economy?
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.
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Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts
Tumultuous Times in Europe
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.
Trump’s Tariff Threats and a Conversation with Anu Bradford
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.
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Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts
The Coming Transatlantic Tech Collisions and a Conversation with Federico Rampini
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 administ
Greenland Back on Trump’s Menu and a Conversation with Jeremy Cliffe
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.
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Russian Roulette
2024 Year-End Review and a Conversation on French Politics with Georgina Wright
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.
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Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts
US-EU Relations under Trump 2.0 with Dan Kelemen and Federico Steinberg
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.
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Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts
European Security and Defense under Trump 2.0 with Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Jim Townsend
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.
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Brussels Sprouts
Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts
US Election Reaction: Trump Returns
Max and Donatienne discuss the implications for Europe from Trump’s imminent return to the White House.
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Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts
Cecilia Malmström on the Future of EU Trade Policy
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.
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Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts
Biden’s European Farewell and a Conversation with Mij Rahman
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).
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Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts
The EU’s Muddled Approach to the Middle East and a Conversation with Tom Nuttall
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).
Von der Leyen’s Power Grab and a Conversation with Simone Tagliapietra
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).
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Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts
Power Plays: Europe’s Response t
New French Government and a Conversation on the Draghi Report with Federico Steinberg
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, Russi
Summer Special: Unpacking the Washington, DC Think Tank Scene
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 a
Implications for Europe from Biden Stepping Down and a Conversation with Chris Johnstone
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
French Election Fallout and a NATO Summit Recap with Camille Grand
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).
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Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts
Policy Brief: Defending Europe with
The Tussle for Top EU Jobs and a Conversation with YouGov’s Marcus Roberts
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).
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Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcast
Macron's Snap Election Gamble and a Conversation with Lieutenant General Michiel van der Laan
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). Final
European Elections Bonanza and a Conversation with Dan Kelemen
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 McCour
Fico Assassination Attempt, New Dutch Government, and a Conversation with Jude Blanchette
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).
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Russian Roulette | CSIS P
Bonus Episode: Protests in Georgia and European Implications with Tinatin Japaridze and Eto Buziashvili
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.
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Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts
Macron’s Sorbonne Speech, Previewing the EU Parliament Election, and a Conversation with Rebecca Christie
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 E
U.S. National Security Supplemental Passes, Rise of Foreign Interference in European Politics, and a Conversation with Ambassador Ivo Daalder
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 (15:4
NATO Ministerial, TTC in Leuven, and a Conversation with Ignacio Molina
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
March EUCO Summit, CEE Roundup, and a Conversation with Jeff Rathke
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
Franco-German Engine Sputters on Ukraine and a Conversation with Ambassador Charles Fries
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.
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Von Der Leyen Vies for Second Term and a Conversation with Ilaria Mazzocco
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 climat
Trump’s NATO Comments and a Conversation with Emily Benson
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 a
