Germany’s Role in a Geopolitically Changed Europe: the Thinking in Berlin

 

A major policy review is under its way in the German Federal Government. Questions range from Germany’s future military posture in Eastern Europe to ways of integrating eight new members, including Ukraine, into the European Union. Security expert Katarina Engberg interviewed German officials in Berlin on these questions and has outlined the thinking in Berlin in a new publication for SIEPS. German policymakers’ conclusions will have great implications not only for Germany, the West’s major European power, but also for the rest of Europe.

Traditionally, Germany has been criticized by its Western partners for its inaction. As Germany finds its footing in the new European geopolitical landscape and formulates its policies, it is likely to be as much criticized for what it does as for what it doesn’t do.  

Understanding German thinking on these issues is of great interest to fellow Europeans. So how can we expect German policies to evolve – where might they end up? On 28 September a knowledgeable panel delved into a broad range of relevant issues and participants were invited to put questions to the panel.