Following Trump's Presidency: Germany and Europe Need to Revisit International Collaboration Strategy
Europe and the Global South are poised to forge a new partnership, one that prioritizes international law, sustainability, and mutual respect as its foundation. This partnership, crucial in an era of geopolitical change, aims to foster a just and sustainable transformation, benefiting both parties.
Sustainable Economic Cooperation and Climate Partnerships
Europe seeks to build a deep understanding with Global South countries around shared interests in green industrial transition. This partnership will align climate goals with economic development and poverty reduction, rather than focusing solely on decarbonization. The European Investment Bank (EIB) and other EU financial instruments will de-risk investments in green technologies, while research collaborations will involve Global South actors. Infrastructure development initiatives like the EU’s Global Gateway aim to create sustainable partnerships, balancing geopolitical influences such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Conflict Prevention and Humanitarian Aid
While explicit conflict prevention strategies are not detailed, robust multilateral cooperation that supports the rule of law, economic resilience, and civil society engagement underpins long-term peace and stability. The EU, as the world’s largest development partner, integrates humanitarian aid tightly with development cooperation to address crises in partner countries.
Promotion of Civil Society and Corporate Accountability
Partnership frameworks should ensure the inclusion and empowerment of civil society voices from the Global South to co-design and scrutinize policies. The strong objection by Global South organizations to any weakening of the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) underscores the importance of collaborative, transparent policy-making that safeguards labor and environmental standards globally.
Cross-cutting Approaches
Building progressive coalitions that cut across traditional North-South divides facilitates greater solidarity and cooperation in multilateral development. Linking science and policy to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through joint research and innovation agendas is vital for effective implementation and shared progress.
A Strong Civil Society
A strong civil society is essential for democratic and resilient societies. Germany and Europe should expand programs that support independent civil society actors.
Overcoming the 'Colonial Superiority Complex'
A new partnership with the Global South requires Europe to overcome its 'colonial superiority complex'. Promoting democracy does not mean exporting Western models, but rather strengthening local actors who develop their own visions of good governance and social participation.
Minimum Requirements
Minimum requirements for a rich country like Germany include allocating 0.7 percent of gross domestic product to official development assistance (ODA) and a fair share of global climate and biodiversity financing. Gender equality is a key lever for sustainable development, and promoting women's rights and greater participation of women and LGBTIQ+ people in political and economic processes is important.
The return of Donald Trump to the White House has caused global upheaval. Europe's well-being is linked to that of the Global South, particularly in addressing the climate crisis, biodiversity, migration, humanitarian crises, and demographic challenges. In this new era, Europe and the Global South must work together for a sustainable, equitable, and resilient future.
- The European Union aims to collaborate with Global South countries on sustainable economic cooperation and climate partnerships, focusing on green industrial transition and aligning climate goals with economic development.
- In spite of a lack of explicit conflict prevention strategies, the EU supports long-term peace and stability through robust multilateral cooperation, rule of law, economic resilience, and civil society engagement.
- Civil society voices from the Global South should be included and empowered in the co-design and scrutiny of policies, ensuring transparency and accountability in policy-making.
- European countries, including Germany, should leverage science and policy to meet Sustainable Development Goals, fostering progressive coalitions that cut across traditional North-South divides and facilitating shared progress.
- A strong civil society is necessary for democratic and resilient societies, prompting calls for strengthened programs supporting independent civil society actors in Germany and Europe.
- To build a successful partnership with the Global South, Europe must overcome its 'colonial superiority complex', promoting local governance and social participation while emphasizing gender equality and the participation of women and LGBTIQ+ individuals in political and economic processes.
