Fresh Take: European partners set high hopes as new German government takes the helm
New German government faces significant anticipation from EU allies
In a cheerful display at a gathering of EU foreign ministers in Warsaw, the old guard of the European Union voiced optimism about the incoming German government. "We're thrilled to collaborate with the new German government," affirmed the UK's Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, on the meeting's sidelines. Finland's Foreign Minister, Elina Valtonen, echoed similar sentiments, speaking of "ambitious expectations" for the German government.
Elated that Germany now has a fully-functioning administration once more, Valtonen highlighted the importance of the EU picking up the pace in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine and European defense. Czech Foreign Minister, Jan Marian, echoed her sentiments, expressing his government's eagerness to work closely with the new German government. He anticipated that Merz's leadership would bring considerable support for Ukraine and a resilient stance against Russia from the EU.
Austrian Foreign Minister, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, was equally eager, expressing her anticipation to meet her new German counterpart, Johann Wadephul (CDU), in Warsaw. She underscored the significance of a German chancellor with a European focus, given the escalating geopolitical challenges.
Valtonen downplayed Merz's loss in the first round and referred to it as a minor hiccup, while Lammy casually dismissed it as a "temple problem" not worth much worry.
Over the two-day meeting, in a format called Gymnich, EU foreign ministers will delve deeper into topics such as deepening relationships with Britain, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and ties with the US. The meetings will run until Thursday, with British Foreign Secretary Lammy participating in Wednesday's discussions. This marks the first attendance at the meeting for Germany, represented by Foreign Minister Wadephul.
A Closer Look:
German expectations run high as they reorient their strategic focus towards European independence, particularly in defense. With concerns over the unpredictability of future U.S. administrations, especially the prospect of a second Trump presidency, incoming chancellor Friedrich Merz aims to boost defense spending, potentially up to 3-4% of GDP. This includes exempting defense expenditures from the constitutional debt brake and a $547 billion infrastructure fund targeting various sectors like roads, railways, and education.
Meanwhile, Germany is working on strengthening defense and security cooperation with the UK through new bilateral agreements. The intent is to insulate these issues from political turbulence, especially given the importance of migration and economic growth in domestic politics. However, critics warn that Germany's focus on its own interests might undermine its credibility and long-term strategic advantages, eroding the EU's unity.
There's also an expectation for a more clearly articulated foreign policy, especially in terms of climate diplomacy, alongside strengthened interministerial coordination and attractive partnership models for international partners to ensure Germany's continued relevance. In terms of transatlantic ties, Germany will maintain a balanced approach, emphasizing its commitment to the U.S. relationship while pursuing European independence.
[1] The Economist, "Germany's new government: Moving towards a more muscular foreign policy," November 17, 2021
[2] Carnegie Europe, "Cleaning Up Germany's Foreign Policy," March 17, 2021
[3] International Politics and Society, "Bilateralism without Borders? German-UK Security Cooperation in the Post-Brexit Era," no. 1, Spring 2021
[4] European Council on Foreign Relations, "Germany's new coalition: What do its foreign policy targets mean for its European partners," December 08, 2021
- The German government, under the leadership of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is expected to formulate a more clearly articulated foreign policy, including climate diplomacy and interministerial coordination, aiming to reinforce its standing as a relevant international partner.
- Germany's new government, with high expectations for European independence, particularly in defense, is planning to boost defense spending, potentially reaching up to 3-4% of GDP, as well as creating a $547 billion infrastructure fund for various sectors.
- In a move to address geopolitical challenges, Germany is strengthening defense and security cooperation with the UK, establishing new bilateral agreements to insulate key issues from political upheaval.
- The incoming German government's focus on European policy and independence, as well as reorienting its strategic focus in defense, has elicited ambitions and optimism from political partners across Europe, including Finland's Foreign Minister, Elina Valtonen, and the UK's Foreign Secretary, David Lammy.
- German policy-and-legislation, such as exempting defense expenditures from the constitutional debt brake, is likely to be influenced by the country's intent to bolster its defense capabilities in the face of unforeseen American administrations, like a potential second Trump presidency.
