The battle for Germany's ruling party that will change Europe

This weekend marks the beginning of a gradual change for Europe - as Germany's EU role begins to be reshaped.

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Germany's largest party which has helped define both the country's and European politics for the past 16 years, will on Saturday (16 January) elect a new leader.

The vote will alter the country's political landscape as it moves into the post-Merkel era - and the outcome itself is far from certain.

The CDU convention is the ope...