The trials and tribulations of Friedrich Merz

A punishing week for Germany’s chancellor, Istanbul’s shipyards pivot from cereals to salvage, the UK plans a parliamentary hearing to establish why it kind of sucks at Eurovision and Oulu's climate clock keeps ticking.

DW's investigation into disposable agents and why Russia won't let some of its own soldiers find rest. Then: could Berlin soon be governed by The Left? As well as Turkey's crackdown against the LGBTQ+ community—and more.

Veteran journalist Hans Pfeifer on covering the AfD and what might be next. Then: from Norway's popular monarchy and Russia’s struggling coal industry to a macabre Berlin opera and the Women’s Basketball World Cup.

The legacy of war criminal Ratko Mladic, and Icelanders reject EU entry talks. Also: Could the far-right AfD soon govern its first state? And why is an iconic moped part of its campaign? Plus, a data center special.

Ukraine marks 35 years of independence, the state of Russia's opposition ahead of elections, the debate about whether to ban the far-right Alternative for Germany party, and underground spaces in Rome to cool down. Then: Turkey's controversial regional ambitions, Belarusian students targeted abroad, how a French town inspired communism in China, and a dangerous plunge in Munich.

Ukraine marks 35 years of independence, the state of Russia's opposition ahead of elections, the debate about whether to ban the far-right Alternative for Germany party, and underground spaces in Rome to cool down. Then: Turkey's controversial regional ambitions, Belarusian students targeted abroad, how a French town inspired communism in China, and a dangerous plunge in Munich.

Why a job at the European Commission is a dream for many, but a disappointment for some. Plus, why fast fashion audit reports often miss the reality of working conditions in factories. And a migration special starting with the Pope's remarkable stance and why that matters at a time when Europe is implementing more restrictive rules. ++ https://shorturl.at/YmTsY https://shorturl.at/Lazzj ++ ?maca=en-podcast_inside-europe-949-xml-mrss

The controversy surrounding Hungary’s election of a new president and Turkey’s move to reintegrate Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militants into society. Then, a brutal attack in Belgrade raises questions about political violence in Serbia. And a ratty special on why rodents are thriving in cities around the world. ++ https://shorturl.at/tJxGL ++?maca=en-podcast_inside-europe-949-xml-mrss

Germany's far-right AfD believes itself to be on the cusp of power in Saxony-Anhalt. What would the AfD's manifesto look like if put into practice? Then: Why Reform UK's Nigel Farage is spending his summer battling a bin and how a tragedy in Ceuta became a crisis in Brussels. Plus, FIFA boss Gianni Infantino's latest scandal and Estonia's musical soft-power.

Europe's wildfires reach the outskirts of major cities, plans to curb Germany's Freedom of Information Act, and what police knew about Berlin's Pride killer. Then: a place for senior queer people in Lyon, an interview with the president of George Soros' Open Society Foundations, and statue squabbles: Prague's controversial colossus.