- October 26, 2026
- ; 16:00
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- October 26, 2026
- ; 17:30
Germany is expected to play a central role in shaping European foreign and security policy – yet, how it exercises that role remains contested. As geopolitical tensions rise and expectations from European partners grow, Berlin faces increasing pressure to define its approach to leadership, balancing ambition with caution. These questions are becoming more urgent, with implications not only for EU cohesion but also for Europe’s ability to respond effectively to international crises.
Aspen Germany’s International Press Roundtables bring together a small group of international journalists to assess current political developments from their respective national perspectives. Given the central role of media in shaping public discourse and informing international audiences, the format aims to capture how key developments are interpreted across countries and how these interpretations influence public understanding and debate.
This International Press Roundtable, “The German Question Revisited: Leadership and Responsibility in EU Foreign Policy”, convenes journalists from leading international media outlets to discuss how Germany is perceived across Europe – as a hesitant leader, a key broker, or a constrained actor – and how these perceptions shape coalition-building, crisis response, and the EU’s overall ability to act externally. The conversation will also explore the broader implications of Germany’s strategic choices for European unity, transatlantic relations, and the EU’s global influence.
The event offers a sharp, comparative and journalist-driven perspective on Germany’s role in Europe and its evolving responsibilities, providing insight into how media assessments reflect and shape political debates, both within Germany and across the continent.
Aspen Germany looks forward to welcoming Christian Feld, ARD correspondent in Brussels; Nina Haase, Deutsche Welle; Tonia Mastrobuoni, Berlin Correspondent “La Repubblica” Oliver Moody, Berlin Correspondent for The Times; and Bartosz Wielinski, Gazeta Wyborcza.
