welcome to the programme. the european elections are drawing ever closer. from june sixth tojune ninth millions of people will be voting, to elect the next european parliament. 720 politicians, from 27 countries. in what many consider to be a pivotal moment for the future of the european union. for the past month, we have been moving from country to country, taking a closer look at what it is that'll shape voters�* decisions. we've already been to the netherlands, to spain, to france and to italy. tonight — we're heading to germany — one of the six founding members of the organisation that went on to become the eu. germany is europe's largest economy — it's the third largest in the world. germany is at the table of many of the big conversations happening across the region.

it's the second—largest donor of military assistance to ukraine. just this week, chancellor olaf scholz has been in stockholm, meeting with nordic leaders to urge more support for ukraine. but tonight, we want to start by taking a closer look at germany's domestic political climate. it's been shaken in recent weeks by a string of violent attacks on german politicians and campaign workers. the country's criminal police office says there have been 22 attacks on politicians so far in 2024, compared with 27 for all of 2023. as for who is responsble — fingers have been pointed in all directions. but they come amid growing support for the country's far—right party — the afd. polling from politico suggests it's in second spot when it comes to voter intention, moving ahead of the spd — the party of 0laf scholz.

sol so i ran through their the lay of the land right now but what is your assessment on what are the key issues for germans in these european elections? i5 issues for germans in these european elections? , ., , , elections? is actually different when it comes _ elections? is actually different when it comes to _ elections? is actually different when it comes to national- elections? is actually different l when it comes to national issues elections? is actually different - when it comes to national issues and european issues, and recent polling was done here where migration still tops the list of key issues, the economy is also pretty far up there, and there is a general sense that these european elections will also be about the future of the european and german democracy, that's when you come more into the political bubbles but we are all very much aware and when you speak particularly to german politicians who are in brussels and they know it's very much also a referendum on how the government is performing,

and in fact dissatisfaction with the government of 0la schultz and his three—way coalition is hitting an all—time low for the german government here, so the parties were apparently in the lead they know it's an uphill struggle and they also know that that could very much play into the hands of the far right, particularly the afd. —— all off schultz. right, particularly the afd. -- all off schultz— right, particularly the afd. -- all off schultz. there's been growing su ort off schultz. there's been growing support for— off schultz. there's been growing support for those _ off schultz. there's been growing support for those parties - off schultz. there's been growing support for those parties on - off schultz. there's been growing support for those parties on the l support for those parties on the right right across europe, and what does it look like right now? that alternative for germany, the afd party. really picking up support but it has waned so much in recent weeks, just explain what's going on right there. weeks, just explain what's going on riaht there. , ., , ., right there. yes, it has waned. it was 20, right there. yes, it has waned. it was 20. 21. _ right there. yes, it has waned. it was 20, 21. 22 — right there. yes, it has waned. it was 20, 21, 22 right _ right there. yes, it has waned. it was 20, 21, 22 right around - was 20, 21, 22 right around christmas, it went down slightly after there was a revelation after a

meeting between co—leaders, where there was talk of free migration, which means deportation, people being categorised in first and second class citizens essentially on whether they have a migratory background. and it really cost them in the polls. we are now also seeing feuds of attack and i really want to add that the afd when it comes to violence and attacks against politicians is topping the charts as actually being the victims here. at the same time we've seen arrests made of people attacking politicians more towards the centre and the left, particularly the green politician recently that was seen as part of the far right corner, it's a bit of a blur picture, whether you look at the european polling or the national polling, the far right afd party is in second place and importantly it pretty much tops the field in several eastern states that are going to regional poles and

autumn, so that's the next election politicians here are actually quite concerned about.— politicians here are actually quite concerned about. that's the picture on the right. _ concerned about. that's the picture on the right, talk— concerned about. that's the picture on the right, talk to _ concerned about. that's the picture on the right, talk to me _ concerned about. that's the picture on the right, talk to me about - on the right, talk to me about what's happening on the left right now. again, they are not gathering the same sort of support that the afd has butjust explain the situation on the left. the left -a situation on the left. the left party has _ situation on the left. the left party has essentially - situation on the left. the left i party has essentially collapsed situation on the left. the left - party has essentially collapsed in germany, and they one leading figure who founded her own party, which looks pretty much set that it could go above the 5% threshold when it comes to regional elections here, and that is eating into the far right afd party, which it sounds like your contradiction in terms, how can i left party, left—leaning grouping eat into the far right because mark while she is very charismatic politician who, while wanting a very strong social emphasis, a leftist emphasis on how

the state is conducted, at the same time she takes a very tough line on migration, so you find actually people from both camps, both, different ends of the political spectrum here at finding her an attractive alternative to the far right, alternative for germany party. this is part of the further fragmentation of the german political spectrum, that requires coalitions that sounds very much the way brussels and europe operates but thatis way brussels and europe operates but that is making governing more tricky here in germany and that something that will be very closely watched in these european elections coming up. michaela, stay with us, i want at this stage to bring in our berlin correspondentjess parker. good to have you with us, we were just discussing their some of the key issues that will be important in this european election and she was highlighting that obviously here

this is a european election, quite separate to what is happening domestically. what is your assessment where you are about the keyissues assessment where you are about the key issues that voters care about in germany right now? i key issues that voters care about in germany right now?— germany right now? i mean i think ou have germany right now? i mean i think you have got _ germany right now? i mean i think you have got domestic— germany right now? i mean i think you have got domestic politics - germany right now? i mean i think you have got domestic politics for| you have got domestic politics for sure, but it then blends into eu politics as well, taking that topic you were just discussing of migration. immigration has been particularly towards the end of last year, but continues to be, a very hot topic here in germany and sometimes far right parties, conservative parties criticise the government for not doing as they say it enough, and you see things like rolling checks on the german border. within supposedly the borderless zone within the eu, but something to politicians like 0laf schultz and others are trying to tackle migration in a number of ways including atan migration in a number of ways including at an eu level. the recently agreed and immigration

packed in brussels that looks at speeding up asylum procedures for example, and sometimes these things get all blended together so there's frustration aimed notjust that get all blended together so there's frustration aimed not just that the national government but at the eu as well. and another topic that i would pick up as well is anger at what's perceived as environmental rules and regulations being handed down from brussels, or sometimes they also come from the national government as well. you might remember a pillar in the year, notjust in germany but certainly including in germany, there were those farmers protests, i saw tractors blockading roads, they were lined up as far as the eye could see, facing the brandenburg gate and what a lot of farmers were talking about, they were sparked in protest by a particular route over diesel fuel subsidies. when you speak to people in the agriculture industry they felt they were hammered by rules and regulations over a long time and this was the straw that broke the camels back. so that kind of wider idea that we've

seenin that kind of wider idea that we've seen in other european countries as well of a kind of green lash, a rebellion against green policies has certainly been pertinent here in germany as well.— certainly been pertinent here in german as well. �* g ,, ., germany as well. and, jess, i wonder about germans _ germany as well. and, jess, i wonder about germans getting _ germany as well. and, jess, i wonder about germans getting used - germany as well. and, jess, i wonder about germans getting used to - germany as well. and, jess, i wonder about germans getting used to this . about germans getting used to this idea not necessarily of being the powerhouse economy it has been for so many years before. things are looking a little bit different as far as its economic performance is concerned. still a huge powerhouse, but readjusting to life quite differently. and i wonder where money comes into this as well. we say that elections are won or lost on how the economy is performing, but are people feeling worse off in germany, to? but are people feeling worse off in germany. to?— germany, to? that's a really interesting _ germany, to? that's a really interesting one. _ germany, to? that's a really interesting one. economic. germany, to? that's a really - interesting one. economic forecasts for germany are certainly looking sluggish. they've been looking sluggish. they've been looking sluggish as well for some other economies as well. when you talk to people, often a conversation i've had about this very issue is, are you struggling? and sometimes people

say i'm not personally struggling, but i know people who are struggling, and of course we did see huge inflation over a long time, there's a big concern about the cost of living into some degree that does persist, but i think certainly there's a sense that people feel frustrated, that german economy has not kind of future proved itself enough. quite a lot of the blame is what laid rightly or wrongly on the former chancellor angela merkel, for not doing enough, she's accused of. over the course of her long tenure, to really digitise the german economy, there is a bit of an old cliche about germans is still using fax machines much more than many other countries, but certainly if you speak to people in germany there is no real optimism about the german economy and for example, cars is a classic example of this. as people are perceive china to be racing ahead an electric car manufacturing, germany is accused of lagging behind

on that. and of course, traditionally, a huge car—maker and she still a huge car—maker so not a lot of optimism about the german economy. it is still the powerhouse economy. it is still the powerhouse economy as far as the eu is concerned, what happens here, how well the economy does has huge reverberations across europe. but certainly, any sense that it's roaring ahead and doing really well, that doesn't exist at the moment. stay with us, i want to bring in our third guest for this half hour, that's sophie. we were just discussing their some of the key issues, perhaps how germans can separate feelings for their domestic national government versus what's happening on a europe—wide level. is this reallyjust a referendum on the performance of the current german government? i performance of the current german government?— performance of the current german government? i wouldn't go as far as to sa it government? i wouldn't go as far as to say it is — government? i wouldn't go as far as to say it is an _ government? i wouldn't go as far as to say it is an assessment _ government? i wouldn't go as far as to say it is an assessment of what i to say it is an assessment of what the government is currently doing, but it_ the government is currently doing, but it is_ the government is currently doing,

but it is true — the government is currently doing, but it is true that especially decision—makers are not making a difference — decision—makers are not making a difference so there is very little talk about policy especially eu policy — talk about policy especially eu policy at — talk about policy especially eu policy at the moment. there's a lot of talk_ policy at the moment. there's a lot of talk about national politics even -- there _ of talk about national politics even —— there isn't a lot of talk about nationai— —— there isn't a lot of talk about national politics. it has been mentioned, there has been a backlash. _ mentioned, there has been a backlash, that's for sure, but otherwise _ backlash, that's for sure, but otherwise it's very much concerning political— otherwise it's very much concerning political violence against candidates, also the far right is quite _ candidates, also the far right is quite a — candidates, also the far right is quite a topic in the medium at the moment— quite a topic in the medium at the moment -- — quite a topic in the medium at the moment —— media at the moment, they are not— moment —— media at the moment, they are not really— moment —— media at the moment, they are not really differentiating between the eu is doing and what the nationai— between the eu is doing and what the national level is doing, that is really— national level is doing, that is really problematic but eu elections are always second order elections and you _ are always second order elections and you have a bunch of other elections _ and you have a bunch of other elections going up in germany at regional— elections going up in germany at regional level and municipal level which _ regional level and municipal level which are — regional level and municipal level which are much more important for the germans. even though the eu has a lot to _ the germans. even though the eu has a lot to say— the germans. even though the eu has a lot to soy in— the germans. even though the eu has a lot to say in certain areas, they are just _ a lot to say in certain areas, they are just not — a lot to say in certain areas, they are just not really aware of it, unfortunately.— unfortunately. and, sophie, i mentioned — unfortunately. and, sophie, i mentioned in _ unfortunately. and, sophie, i mentioned in the _ unfortunately. and, sophie, ij mentioned in the introduction unfortunately. and, sophie, i- mentioned in the introduction the number of attacks on german politicians or campaigners in the run—up to these elections. so far

the police are saying 22 attacks on politicians so far this year, that compares to 27 for the whole last year. we know that these sorts of tensions rise before elections of all sorts. i suppose the biggest worry in all of this is that that sort of hostile climate scares off candidates, scares off motors and it makes the whole process of democracy much more difficult to enforce, doesn't it?— doesn't it? yes, it did rule a mind mail a little _ doesn't it? yes, it did rule a mind mail a little bit _ doesn't it? yes, it did rule a mind mail a little bit of— doesn't it? yes, it did rule a mind mail a little bit of the _ doesn't it? yes, it did rule a mind mail a little bit of the uk, - mail a little bit of the uk, political— mail a little bit of the uk, political violence to a level we've never _ political violence to a level we've never seen — political violence to a level we've never seen before and that is very very concerning and worrying when democratic — very concerning and worrying when democratic candidates cannot be assured — democratic candidates cannot be assured to have physical security when _ assured to have physical security when campaigning, and even beyond that. when campaigning, and even beyond that so _ when campaigning, and even beyond that so i _ when campaigning, and even beyond that. so i think it's a really a sign — that. so i think it's a really a sign that— that. so i think it's a really a sign that we have a crisis of democracy and notjust sign that we have a crisis of democracy and not just about the eu elections. _ democracy and not just about the eu elections, just in general. it has become — elections, just in general. it has become quite dangerous to be a politician — become quite dangerous to be a politician and it says a lot about the state — politician and it says a lot about the state of democracy and also the violence _ the state of democracy and also the violence that is within society, unfortunately, even though and it

was said — unfortunately, even though and it was said before, germany is doing relatively— was said before, germany is doing relatively well i would say, it did have _ relatively well i would say, it did have inflation, we have an energy crisis, _ have inflation, we have an energy crisis. the — have inflation, we have an energy crisis, the economic model is not pure _ crisis, the economic model is not pure hut— crisis, the economic model is not pure but it — crisis, the economic model is not pure but it is _ crisis, the economic model is not pure but it is not necessarily related _ pure but it is not necessarily related to the economy as such. it showcases— related to the economy as such. it showcases there is a fundamental issue _ showcases there is a fundamental issue with — showcases there is a fundamental issue with our democratic system and how to _ issue with our democratic system and how to solve — issue with our democratic system and how to solve that is obviously a big question— how to solve that is obviously a big question that a lot of experts and think— question that a lot of experts and think tankers are thinking about. sophie. — think tankers are thinking about. sophie, michaela and jess, think tankers are thinking about. sophie, michaela andjess, we think tankers are thinking about. sophie, michaela and jess, we will talk more in a moment about germany's position on the world stage. we're going to take a short break now, because around the world and across the uk, you're watching bbc news.

welcome back. when europeans head to the polls next month, there'll be a broad

range of issues that determine how they vote. immigration, the economy and environmental measures we are focusing on germany and we are are expected to top the agenda. but abortion rights campaigners say women's health issues are failing to get enough attention. 0ur europe correspondent, jessica parker, has this report from the german city of hamburg. adriana volunteers to help improve abortion access, after having one herself five years ago. in germany abortions are, in reality, permitted during early pregnancy, but remain technically illegal. when i read the penalty law, it really crushed me because it really says you are still a criminal when you decide to have an abortion. you can do it up until 12 weeks without being actually punished, but you're still kind of a criminal. and also the law is written like that that they're trying to force you to think about it and to keep the pregnancy. so they're really pushing you into one direction. do you think this issue — women's health issues — have a prominent enough place

in public debate? of course not. women's issues are most of the time not like the main priority. i really prefer if we had like an eu law that ensures that everyone has access to safe abortion. even in wealthy liberal cities like hamburg, campaigners say women face barriers to abortion, while access across europe can significantly vary. from france, where abortions have become a constitutional right, to almost total illegality in poland and malta. abortion laws are set by member states. but in the last eu parliament, a majority of lawmakers called for access to be guaranteed across the bloc. it's a prime example of how some see the eu as an engine for social change, while others believe that brussels is already too interfering. it's up to the nations to say whether they want to have this

or that particular abortion law, and the eu shouldn't meddle with that. they've done that with other things. they try to interfere with nations' sovereignty, and i think they shouldn't push the nations too far. we've seen what happens if they do that and when people pick up on those ideas in particular countries — you saw that in the uk — and they play it well, then people might turn away on a larger scale from the european union, and that's not a good idea. i think the germans... and this professor believes eu—wide change is a distant prospect. i think member states focus very much on having competencies in criminal law and especially in these sensitive areas of abortion. the eu parliamentary elections are nowjust weeks away. if, as some polls predict, there's a rightwards shift, that may diminish calls for embedding abortion rights, as parties push very different

visions of how far the eu should reach into people's lives. jessica parker, bbc news in hamburg. and, jessica, i'm interested in that line in your report there that you talk about the role of the eu, whether it is an engine for social change were just whether it is an engine for social change werejust simply whether it is an engine for social change were just simply too involved in domestic politics. what is the sense you get where you are, about whether that is true?— whether that is true? well, look, it really depends _ whether that is true? well, look, it really depends on _ whether that is true? well, look, it really depends on who _ whether that is true? well, look, it really depends on who you - whether that is true? well, look, it really depends on who you speak i whether that is true? well, look, it| really depends on who you speak to and on their political views, and i used to be based in brussels and something i really noticed there and it does sort of filter down into individual countries, is there is this kind of ideological difference you can get in europe about what the eu should do, and what it's really therefor. is it a hard, and economic bloc, they are to make sure that trade can flow and the kind of

transactional relationship in order to make member states wealthy or that are involved in the economic blog, or it is a values —based organisation pushing progressive values and certainly the vote on abortion while largely symbolic, was abortion while largely symbolic, was a demonstration of how a lot of members of the european parliament and the last parliament wanted to put pressure on member states like poland, malta, were abortion laws are very strict. as i say, almost a near total ban, are very strict. as i say, almost a neartotal ban, in are very strict. as i say, almost a near total ban, in order to try and reverse that. actually what you sometimes get his pushback particularly from governments on the right, nationalist governments, who say that you should keep its nose out of those kinds of issues and another number of issues as well. it's an ideological debate that certainly plays out here in germany, definitely you hear you're a sceptic messages example from the alternative for deutschland, was making some positive noises about brexit and how it could be a model for germany. now important to say,

look, all the parties like the cdu, spd, they are all pro—european parties. i'm not saying it's a german version of brexit is about to happen here, but there is this push and pull about what the eu is for, how fard should reach into peoples lives and it has become a matter for political debate.— political debate. michaela, i'm fascinated _ political debate. michaela, i'm fascinated to _ political debate. michaela, i'm fascinated to understand - political debate. michaela, i'm fascinated to understand how. political debate. michaela, i'm - fascinated to understand how germany is seen on a european stage. of course very well not only of course with 0laf schultz and his leadership and some of the big key issues, particularly of course what's happening in ukraine, germany the second biggest donor globally to that ukraine eight effort. but as i've underlined, the president of the european commission herself german. germany is very well represented in these big institutions.— represented in these big institutions. , ., institutions. and germany hoping to be very well — institutions. and germany hoping to be very well represented, _ institutions. and germany hoping to be very well represented, i - institutions. and germany hoping to be very well represented, i want - institutions. and germany hoping to be very well represented, i want to | be very well represented, i want to stress _ be very well represented, i want to stress that— be very well represented, i want to stress that being part of europe and

european, _ stress that being part of europe and european, it's so much part of the political— european, it's so much part of the political and — european, it's so much part of the political and personal dna of most germans _ political and personal dna of most germans that not even the far right afd and _ germans that not even the far right afd and its — germans that not even the far right afd and its party programme is calling — afd and its party programme is calling for— afd and its party programme is calling for a brexit. that's what they— calling for a brexit. that's what they shied away from, they initially pushed _ they shied away from, they initially pushed back on the euro, but they don't want to leave the european union, _ don't want to leave the european union, they want to change it. here the big _ union, they want to change it. here the big issue is cutting down on bureaucracy, also european bureaucracy, also european bureaucracy and if you look at satisfaction levels in terms of government performance these satisfaction with wrestles with the eu is— satisfaction with wrestles with the eu is higherthen satisfaction with wrestles with the eu is higher then with germany's own government— eu is higher then with germany's own government right now. sol eu is higher then with germany's own government right now. so i think launching — government right now. so i think launching some kind of abortion debate — launching some kind of abortion debate at — launching some kind of abortion debate at the european level, let's look at _ debate at the european level, let's look at something europe agreed on, that was— look at something europe agreed on, that was they needed some sort of regulation — that was they needed some sort of regulation of asylum. they took seven— regulation of asylum. they took seven years to agree on something, they literally just seven years to agree on something, they literallyjust did, and they literally just did, and abortion they literallyjust did, and abortion debate will be literally opening — abortion debate will be literally opening a can of worms that would be

very divisive _ opening a can of worms that would be very divisive and to me it would sound _ very divisive and to me it would sound like — very divisive and to me it would sound like something like russia would _ sound like something like russia would try— sound like something like russia would try and fan in terms of the debate _ would try and fan in terms of the debate on — would try and fan in terms of the debate on national values. and, so - hie, debate on national values. and, sophie. i'm _ debate on national values. and, sophie, i'm interested - debate on national values. and, sophie, i'm interested in - debate on national values. and, sophie, i'm interested in the . debate on national values. situc sophie, i'm interested in the idea of coming you know, the european union can be a bit of a whipping boy. can't it? it can be somewhere where a lot of anger is vented that europe is too involved in domestic politics. nothing that gets discussed in the european institutions wouldn't happen without the individual involvements of member states, that's how it works. it is brought to the european union because member states want to talk about it. , ., , about it. yes. i might have been shakin: about it. yes. i might have been shaking my _ about it. yes. i might have been shaking my head _ about it. yes. i might have been shaking my head before - about it. yes. i might have beenj shaking my head before because about it. yes. i might have been - shaking my head before because the eu has— shaking my head before because the eu has absolutely— shaking my head before because the eu has absolutely no _ shaking my head before because the eu has absolutely no competence i shaking my head before because the i eu has absolutely no competence when it comes _ eu has absolutely no competence when it comes to _ eu has absolutely no competence when it comes to social _ eu has absolutely no competence when it comes to social policy, _ eu has absolutely no competence when it comes to social policy, just _ eu has absolutely no competence when it comes to social policy, just very - it comes to social policy, just very little _ it comes to social policy, just very little bit. — it comes to social policy, just very little bit. so — it comes to social policy, just very little bit, so there _ it comes to social policy, just very little bit, so there is— it comes to social policy, just very little bit, so there is no— it comes to social policy, just very little bit, so there is no reason- it comes to social policy, just very little bit, so there is no reason to| little bit, so there is no reason to think— little bit, so there is no reason to think there — little bit, so there is no reason to think there is _ little bit, so there is no reason to think there is going _ little bit, so there is no reason to think there is going to _ little bit, so there is no reason to think there is going to be - little bit, so there is no reason to think there is going to be any- little bit, so there is no reason to| think there is going to be any kind of legislation _ think there is going to be any kind of legislation coming _ think there is going to be any kind of legislation coming on— think there is going to be any kind of legislation coming on abortionl of legislation coming on abortion that is— of legislation coming on abortion that is of— of legislation coming on abortion that is of national— of legislation coming on abortion that is of national competence i of legislation coming on abortion i that is of national competence and that is of national competence and that is— that is of national competence and that is a _ that is of national competence and that is a fact _ that is of national competence and that is a fact. it's— that is of national competence and that is a fact. it's not— that is of national competence and that is a fact. it's not a _ that is of national competence and that is a fact. it's not a question i that is a fact. it's not a question of how— that is a fact. it's not a question of how people _ that is a fact. it's not a question of how people feel, _ that is a fact. it's not a question of how people feel, that's - of how people feel, that's a

question— of how people feel, that's a question of— of how people feel, that's a question of how _ of how people feel, that's a question of how the - of how people feel, that's a - question of how the institutions are working _ question of how the institutions are working at— question of how the institutions are working at eu — question of how the institutions are working at eu level, _ question of how the institutions are working at eu level, and _ working at eu level, and unfortunately there - working at eu level, and . unfortunately there seems working at eu level, and - unfortunately there seems to be a lot of— unfortunately there seems to be a lot of ignorance _ unfortunately there seems to be a lot of ignorance about _ unfortunately there seems to be a lot of ignorance about how- unfortunately there seems to be a lot of ignorance about how the - unfortunately there seems to be a lot of ignorance about how the eu | lot of ignorance about how the eu actually _ lot of ignorance about how the eu actually works _ lot of ignorance about how the eu actually works. you _ lot of ignorance about how the eu actually works. you just _ lot of ignorance about how the eu i actually works. you just mentioned it, actually works. you just mentioned it. the _ actually works. you just mentioned it. the eu _ actually works. you just mentioned it, the eu only— actually works. you just mentioned it, the eu only reflects— actually works. you just mentioned it, the eu only reflects whatever. it, the eu only reflects whatever the 27 _ it, the eu only reflects whatever the 27 member— it, the eu only reflects whatever the 27 member states— it, the eu only reflects whatever the 27 member states decide. ii it, the eu only reflects whatever- the 27 member states decide. i know it's not— the 27 member states decide. i know it's not something _ the 27 member states decide. i know it's not something you _ the 27 member states decide. i know it's not something you want - the 27 member states decide. i know it's not something you want to - the 27 member states decide. i know it's not something you want to hear i it's not something you want to hear probably— it's not something you want to hear probably in— it's not something you want to hear probably in britain— it's not something you want to hear probably in britain at _ it's not something you want to hear probably in britain at the _ it's not something you want to hear probably in britain at the moment, | probably in britain at the moment, not since _ probably in britain at the moment, not since brexit, _ probably in britain at the moment, not since brexit, but— probably in britain at the moment, not since brexit, but it's _ probably in britain at the moment, not since brexit, but it's only- probably in britain at the moment, not since brexit, but it's only a - not since brexit, but it's only a reflection _ not since brexit, but it's only a reflection of— not since brexit, but it's only a reflection of what _ not since brexit, but it's only a reflection of what happens. - not since brexit, but it's only a reflection of what happens. 0f| reflection of what happens. of course — reflection of what happens. of course you _ reflection of what happens. of course you have _ reflection of what happens. of course you have the _ reflection of what happens. of. course you have the commission reflection of what happens. of- course you have the commission that proposes— course you have the commission that proposes legislation, _ course you have the commission that proposes legislation, you _ course you have the commission that proposes legislation, you do- course you have the commission that proposes legislation, you do have - course you have the commission that proposes legislation, you do have a i proposes legislation, you do have a european _ proposes legislation, you do have a european parliament, _ proposes legislation, you do have a european parliament, but- proposes legislation, you do have a european parliament, but without i proposes legislation, you do have a . european parliament, but without the compromise _ european parliament, but without the compromise in — european parliament, but without the compromise in the _ european parliament, but without the compromise in the council— european parliament, but without the compromise in the council of - european parliament, but without the compromise in the council of 27 - compromise in the council of 27 member— compromise in the council of 27 member states, _ compromise in the council of 27 member states, nothing - compromise in the council of 27 member states, nothing is- compromise in the council of 27| member states, nothing is done compromise in the council of 27 i member states, nothing is done in the elk _ member states, nothing is done in the elk so — member states, nothing is done in the eu. so really, _ member states, nothing is done in the eu. so really, the _ member states, nothing is done in the eu. so really, the competencyj the eu. so really, the competency that the _ the eu. so really, the competency that the eu — the eu. so really, the competency that the eu has, _ the eu. so really, the competency that the eu has, is— the eu. so really, the competency that the eu has, is entirely- the eu. so really, the competency that the eu has, is entirely basedl that the eu has, is entirely based on what _ that the eu has, is entirely based on what member— that the eu has, is entirely based on what member states - that the eu has, is entirely based on what member states decide, i that the eu has, is entirely based . on what member states decide, and that the eu has, is entirely based - on what member states decide, and if member states — on what member states decide, and if member states are _ on what member states decide, and if member states are not _ on what member states decide, and if member states are not happy- on what member states decide, and if member states are not happy with - on what member states decide, and if member states are not happy with it, | member states are not happy with it, then the _ member states are not happy with it, then the eu _ member states are not happy with it, then the eu will— member states are not happy with it, then the eu will not _ member states are not happy with it, then the eu will not get _ member states are not happy with it, then the eu will not get the - then the eu will not get the competence _ then the eu will not get the competence and _ then the eu will not get the competence and that - then the eu will not get the competence and that is - then the eu will not get the | competence and that is also then the eu will not get the - competence and that is also why on social— competence and that is also why on social policy— competence and that is also why on social policy there _ competence and that is also why on social policy there is _ competence and that is also why on social policy there is no _ competence and that is also why on social policy there is no confidence i social policy there is no confidence at a national— social policy there is no confidence at a national level... _ social policy there is no confidence at a national level. . ._ at a national level... mckennitt account for— at a national level... mckennitt account for differences - at a national level... mckennitt| account for differences between member states, something like migration for example? {th member states, something like migration for example? of course. they found — migration for example? of course. they found an _ migration for example? of course. they found an agreement - migration for example? of course. they found an agreement last - migration for example? of course. they found an agreement last year migration for example? of course. i they found an agreement last year on the migration— they found an agreement last year on the migration pack, _ they found an agreement last year on the migration pack, a _ they found an agreement last year on the migration pack, a lot— they found an agreement last year on the migration pack, a lot of— the migration pack, a lot of progressives _ the migration pack, a lot of progressives were - the migration pack, a lot of progressives were quite - the migration pack, a lot of- progressives were quite against it

because _ progressives were quite against it because it — progressives were quite against it because it has _ progressives were quite against it because it has a _ progressives were quite against it because it has a very— progressives were quite against it because it has a very strong - because it has a very strong security— because it has a very strong security dimension. - because it has a very strong security dimension. there l because it has a very strong l security dimension. there are because it has a very strong - security dimension. there are ideas of bringing — security dimension. there are ideas of bringing back, _ security dimension. there are ideas of bringing back, not _ security dimension. there are ideas of bringing back, not really- of bringing back, not really migrating _ of bringing back, not really migrating but— of bringing back, not really migrating but screening. of bringing back, not really- migrating but screening migrants quite _ migrating but screening migrants quite a _ migrating but screening migrants quite a lot — migrating but screening migrants quite a lot it _ migrating but screening migrants quite a lot it is _ migrating but screening migrants quite a lot. it is always— migrating but screening migrants quite a lot. it is always a - quite a lot. it is always a reflection _ quite a lot. it is always a reflection of— quite a lot. it is always a reflection of what - quite a lot. it is always a reflection of what the i quite a lot. it is always a reflection of what the 27| quite a lot. it is always a - reflection of what the 27 member states— reflection of what the 27 member states can — reflection of what the 27 member states can agree _ reflection of what the 27 member states can agree on _ reflection of what the 27 member states can agree on and - reflection of what the 27 member states can agree on and it - reflection of what the 27 member states can agree on and it never. states can agree on and it never goes _ states can agree on and it never goes further _ states can agree on and it never goes further than _ states can agree on and it never goes further than that. - states can agree on and it never goes further than that. so - states can agree on and it never goes further than that. so i - states can agree on and it neverl goes further than that. so i think also in _ goes further than that. so i think also in the — goes further than that. so i think also in the eu_ goes further than that. so i think also in the eu doesn't— goes further than that. so i think also in the eu doesn't respect. also in the eu doesn't respect national— also in the eu doesn't respect national sovereignty, - also in the eu doesn't respect national sovereignty, that's . also in the eu doesn't respect. national sovereignty, that's also also in the eu doesn't respect- national sovereignty, that's also a very far— national sovereignty, that's also a very far right— national sovereignty, that's also a very far right and _ national sovereignty, that's also a very far right and very _ national sovereignty, that's also a very far right and very brexit - very far right and very brexit narrative _ very far right and very brexit narrative that _ very far right and very brexit narrative that is _ very far right and very brexit narrative that is not - very far right and very brexit narrative that is not very - very far right and very brexitl narrative that is not very true very far right and very brexit . narrative that is not very true i would — narrative that is not very true i would say, _ narrative that is not very true i would say, because _ narrative that is not very true i would say, because in- narrative that is not very true i would say, because in the - narrative that is not very true i| would say, because in the end, narrative that is not very true i- would say, because in the end, we have _ would say, because in the end, we have eu _ would say, because in the end, we have eu treaties _ would say, because in the end, we have eu treaties which _ would say, because in the end, we have eu treaties which are... - would say, because in the end, we have eu treaties which are... of i would say, because in the end, we. have eu treaties which are... of the root eu, _ have eu treaties which are... of the root eu, you — have eu treaties which are... of the root eu. you have _ have eu treaties which are... of the root eu, you have to _ have eu treaties which are... of the root eu, you have to respect - have eu treaties which are... of the root eu, you have to respect and i root eu, you have to respect and that's— root eu, you have to respect and that's it — root eu, you have to respect and that's it. ., , ., ., ,, that's it. really good to talk you all, that's it. really good to talk you all. we've _ that's it. really good to talk you all, we've shut _ that's it. really good to talk you all, we've shut a _ that's it. really good to talk you all, we've shut a little _ that's it. really good to talk you all, we've shut a little light - that's it. really good to talk you all, we've shut a little light on i all, we've shut a little light on what germany thinks right now, just parker, michaela and sophie thank you so much for being with us. stay on for the headlines, coming up next. hello there, good evening. it was cool and cloudy for many of us today

with outbreaks of rain quite heavy through the morning from a front gradually pushing northwards and eastwards. north yorkshire, under the front, staying rather damp and murky through the afternoon. some of the bluest of the skies, best of the sunshine, highest temperatures were across northern areas of scotland and not much is set to change as we head through the next few days. it will generally stay unsettled showers at times, also some sunny spells but sunniest across northern scotland, cooler and cloudier for eastern facing coasts with plenty of threat and har moving in from the north sea and a southeasterly wind. and harm moving in from the north sea and a southeasterly wind. here's our area of low pressure just spinning around, sending this front out towards the north and the east. but it's pretty much stationary as we head through tonight. it will still be given some rain at times, but a lot of that rain tended to fade. second pulse may be moving into parts of east anglia, up through the midlands as we head through the small hours of tomorrow morning. so it stays rather damp, but certainly mild temperatures in double figures, a little bit of mist perhaps, where we see the clearest of the

skies further west. and then into tomorrow, now, it's a very murky start for these eastern facing coastal lots of low cloud here. there'll be further spells of rain across east anglia stretching up through in the midlands, perhaps into north west england to the north and the south of the front. a lot of dry weather, always the chance of one or two showers, particularly sharp, perhaps across parts of northern ireland, but some sunny spells as well. best of the sunshine for scotland, where we could get to highs of 23 or even 2a celsius later on through the afternoon. on thursday, the focus of the showers will tend to be across central areas of the uk. again, it's largely dry for scotland as scattering of showers across the south, but also some sunny spells, and of course the sunshine will help to lift the temperature highs. high teens, late 20s again in celsius, so just slightly above the seasonal average. as we head through the rest of the week, then our area of low pressure just gradually sinks further southwards. towards the near continent, we see high pressure build into the north. so, here, it's likely to stay mostly

dry as we head through the weekend. so, if we just take a look at scotland, northern ireland — lots of dry weather and it will feel warm in the best of the sunshine, whereas further south, although temperatures remain above the average, there will be some showers. bye— bye.

hello, i'm ben thompson. you're watching the context on bbc news. the coming weeks and months will

demand a great deal of ukrainians, who have already sacrificed so much. but i have come to ukraine with a message — you are not alone. it would've been far more important to give _ it would've been far more important to give them what they needed to win two years— to give them what they needed to win two years ago. but now with ukraine on their— two years ago. but now with ukraine on their back feet there is a question— on their back feet there is a question of whether there is enough even if— question of whether there is enough even if you — question of whether there is enough even if you give them everything they wanted if there is enough _ them everything they wanted if there is enough to win. this is what the russians left the first time in 2022. the village completely deserted. joining me on the panel tonight are rosa prince, deputy uk editor of politico. and rodney davis, former member of the us house of representatives in washington.

first — the latest headlines.