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Table.Briefings

Talk of the Town

Talk of the Town | Armor

February 24th, 2026

Merz: Arms from Belarus ahead of inaugural visit to Beijing

China and Belarus are intensifying their arms cooperation; Moscow is the beneficiary. This makes Chancellor Merz's trip to China even more complicated.

By Viktor Funk and Marcel Grzanna

Talk of the Town | Agricultural trade

February 24th, 2026

Agriculture: Minister Rainer hopes for Merz's support

Federal Minister of Agriculture Rainer is counting on Chancellor Merz's support to end the ban on exports of German pork to China. However, the chancellor is not accompanied by the minister, which causes astonishment in the industry.

By Frederik Bombosch, Henrike Schirmacher and Steffen Bach

Berichterstatter zum US-Handelsdossier Bernd Lange (SPD)

Talk of the Town | Trade policy

February 24th, 2026

US trade deal: EU Parliament pauses implementation

The reduction of tariffs on US products as part of the trade deal with the EU has been put on hold for the time being. The Parliament and the Commission are waiting for more detailed information from the US.

By János Allenbach-Ammann

Talk of the Town | Diplomacy

February 23rd, 2026

German government: New action plan against dependencies on China

Chancellor Merz faces a balancing act when dealing with China. He wants to shore up the German economy at its weak points. But German companies expect his support for their growing engagement.

By Angela Köckritz

Xi Jinping receives European Council President António Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the latest EU-China summit in Beijing.

Talk of the Town | Industry

February 23rd, 2026

Trade: How to get a grip on China’s overcapacity

As Chinese trade flows place mounting pressure on Europe’s industrial base, calls for more robust countermeasures are growing louder. One option would be to expand the use of import quotas, as is already the case in the steel sector.

By Antonia Zimmermann and János Allenbach-Ammann

Talk of the Town | Industry

February 22nd, 2026

Trade: How the EU wants to counter China’s export push

As Chinese trade flows put pressure on Europe’s industrial base, calls for more effective countermeasures are growing louder. One option under discussion is the broader use of import quotas, as already applied in the steel sector.

By Antonia Zimmermann and János Allenbach-Ammann

Talk of the Town | Mechanical engineering

February 22nd, 2026

VDMA vice president: “In-house production in China is hardly realistic”

Germany’s mechanical and plant engineering sector is fighting to preserve local value creation. Ahead of Friedrich Merz’s China trip, VDMA Vice President Alexander Jakschik is calling for political action against unfair competitive advantages – and better business conditions at home.

By Julia Fiedler

Offener Brief Merz China-Reise Weltkongress der Uiguren Tibet Initiative Freiehit für Hongkong Mang Mang

Talk of the Town | Human rights

February 19th, 2026

Transnational repression: Dissidents ask Merz for help

Chinese exiles and representatives of minority groups are addressing open letters to Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Ahead of his China trip, they are calling for an “end to the intimidation and threatening of people in Germany.”

By Marcel Grzanna

Talk of the Town | Friedrich Merz

February 18th, 2026

Friedrich Merz: How the chancellor is preparing for his China trip

At a dinner with China experts, Friedrich Merz gathers insights for his upcoming visit. Part of it is about building a rapport with Xi, one participant says. The priority of the trip is economic issues.

By Amelie Richter and Angela Köckritz

Sales: a person browses special offers during the sales period. A young woman lying on a sofa under a blanket looks at an online store on her laptop, e-commerce platform Shein, fast fashion

Talk of the Town | Digital Services Act

February 18th, 2026

DSA: The Commission is stepping up its pace

Observers can now see a certain zeal on the part of the EU Commission to enforce the DSA. However, there is still a risk of political influence.

By Corinna Visser