July 17, 2025: Merz in London and a New UK-Germany Pact, EU Budget Brawls, Global Trade Wars, & Europe's Internal Turmoil

Today, July 17, 2025, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer sign a historic new U.K.-Germany security and defense pact in London, aiming to "overcome Brexit" and forge closer ties, including a new "Super-Taurus" missile system. But unity is scarce elsewhere: the EU is plunged into fierce budget brawls over its proposed nearly €2 trillion seven-year plan, facing opposition from "frugal" states like Germany and Socialists alike.Simultaneously, global trade wars are intensifying with US President Donald Trump's new tariffs on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, prompting urgent diplomatic efforts from European officials. Europe's internal landscape is also fraught, marked by deep divisions over the Israel/Gaza conflict, France's controversial budget cuts and "explosive" municipal elections in Paris, and concerns over "creeping authoritarianism". Tune in for a concise look at the complex challenges and shifting alliances shaping the continent!