Germany’s new defense minister has not set a foot wrong since taking over from Christine Lambrecht in January. However, it is the outcome of the current fight over the defense budget that will likely define his time in office.

The German chancellor took his time before committing to sending Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. In doing so, he has maxed out the benefits for the war-torn country. But there are complicating side effects.

The EU can play a key role shaping the current changes of globalization. It should keep its eye on the transatlantic relationship.

The chancellery and the finance ministry have put the brakes on the process that was supposed to lead to the publication of Germany’s first-ever National Security Strategy in early February. Olaf Scholz seems to have written one alone already.