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“We all know what needs to be done,” former President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker once said. “We just don’t know how to get re-elected after we have done it.” A need for reform can be clear, but implementing such reform can still be a politically Herculean task that risks backfiring on the reformer. Read more

Italy’s Prime Minister was scathing. Accusing Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy of causing the destruction of his own country, the Prime Minister swore never to meet with him. Read more

It is hard enough to understand the Germans in the best of times. Yet, in these times of crisis and war, even a native speaker may find it difficult to comprehend them. Read more

There are years in which little happens. Then there are years in which everything seems to happen at once. Read more

You and your friends are having regular games nights. Every week, you meet to play Monopoly. Read more

“Harder years, tough years are coming,” Frank-Walter Steinmeier told his country on Friday. At least with this warning, Germany’s Federal President was being honest. Read more

The British Prime Minister received an unflattering open letter. Its signatories were 364 economists, all united in condemning her economic management. Read more

In October 1922, a young journalist and agitator from the hard right marched to Rome to seize political power. This month, a 45-year-old former journalist with far-right leanings is also running for office in Italy. Read more

I have a good relationship with my parents. However, when the subject of visiting them for Christmas came up, their answer was: “You’d better not come!” In every respect, Germany is expecting a miserable winter. Read more

Have you heard of Leonardo's masterpiece, The Muppets' Last Supper? Or Kandinsky's colourful Swirling Music Notes? Read more