Markus Poehlking

While European Union struggles for unity and a new definition of itself, the US tries to act rather defensive in Europe. Past year’s crisis in Europe and the Russian aggression in Ukraine therefore marking a new leader of the West: it is Germany that more and more is engaged to solve problems...

In German online media, it’s a rather common phenomenon: as soon as news concerning Ukraine or Russia appear, comments are flooded from people blaming the West being aggressor, blaming the media being brought into line and underlining, that Russia is not involved in conflict but if, it would...

It is common knowledge that, as a key country, Germany shapes the European Union’s policies. It is Berlin that persuaded Ukraine to sign the Minsk agreements. And, since decisions of German politicians, including Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel, depend to a large extent on civil society...

Not a threat, but a noticeable impact marks crisis in Ukraine for German economy. Traditionally based on export, decline of a whole of 9 billion euros in foreign trade to East of Europe leads to a palpable effect on German trade balance to the East. While trade with Russia is in deep crisis due to...