In response to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has proclaimed a “Zeitenwende”, which increases the demands and expectations of German European policy. However, the actual implementation is proving to be challenging. In Germany, there seems to be momentum for accelerating and concluding the accession negotiations. However, for institutional reforms required to bolster the EU's capacity to act in an enlarged union at the European level there is currently no roadmap. In addition, the German Federal Government is faced with the budget crisis in Germany posing another challenge with significant consequences for EU affairs not to be underestimated.
In a confidential expert discussion, the participants discussed with Ambassador Michael Clauß, the Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Germany to the EU, the direction of the Federal Government's European policy. In particular, the participants addressed what signals were sent out by the European Council on December 14/15, 2023. Furthermore, they addressed the priorities that, from a German perspective, need to be placed on the political agenda after the next European elections, and how the closely linked goals of EU enlargement and institutional reform can be achieved together to uphold the EU's ability to act.
Prof. Dr. Funda Tekin, Director of the IEP, moderated the expert roundtable. The event took place with the kind support of the German Federal Foreign Office and the European Commission.
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