Germany in the EU

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Germany in the EU (20)

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Germany in the EU: Setting the course for Europe's future?

How Germany can strengthen security, competitiveness and the ability to reform in the EU as well as what impulses are needed from Berlin for meeting the pressing challenges of the EU in 2026, was elaborated by EU-Ambassador Thomas Ossowski in this Europa Talk.

Call for Applications: Spinelli Forum 2026

Be part of the German-Italian Young Leaders Dialogue 2026. Discuss with young leaders from Germany and Italy about joint European challenges and the future of the EU. Deadline for applications: 01 March 2026.

Germany and the Return Hubs Debate: Clearing the Fog

Berlin Perspectives

Germany’s debate on return hubs suffers from vague definitions. Clarifying its purpose, target groups, stay conditions, responsibilities, and potential host countries is essential for coherent policy, sound cost-benefit analysis assessment, and effective EU negotiations.

New Ambitions, Old Constraints: Germany’s Role in Shaping European Defence

Berlin Perspectives

Germany's security policy efforts don't live up to the need for a major reorientation of European security in the face of a hostile Russia and an uncertain US administration. German leadership is needed to drive fundamental systemic renewal that extends beyond reactive solutions.

Together for a strong Europe: The Final Conference of the Spinelli Forum 2025

Economy, security, climate and AI: Young German and Italian Leaders met in Berlin on October 27 and 28 to develop proposals in these areas and present them to decision-makers from both countries.

Europe’s Moment of Truth & A New German Leadership

IEP Annual Conference

At IEP’s Annual Conference 2025, scientists and political decision-makers discussed the role of the new German government in the EU as well as Europe's capacity to act, defence policy, the Schengen area, and geo-economic challenges.

Strengthening Rules-Based Trade: Germany's Role in EU Trade Policy

Berlin Perspectives

Germany and the EU must counter protectionism and fragmentation in global trade. The German government should therefore push for EU-level rules-based free trade agreements, foster EU unity and uphold European standards to ensure competitiveness and open markets.

After Zeitenwende: Germany and the Future of European Security

Berlin Perspectives

Three years after the ‘Zeitenwende, the pressure on Germany to take on more security policy responsibility remains high. More speed and leadership are needed to actively shape Europe's security architecture in times of global upheaval.

Call for Applications: Spinelli Forum 2025

Be part of the German-Italian Young Leaders Dialogue 2025. Discuss with young leaders from Germany and Italy about joint European challenges and the future of the EU. Deadline for applications: 03 August 2025.

Permanent ‘temporary’ border controls?

Berlin Perspectives

At the time of the 40th anniversary of Schengen, Germany is controlling all borders. The controls are costly, legally questionable and can strain relations with neighbouring countries. Dr Johanna Hase provides a breakdown and possible solutions in Berlin Perspectives.

A new German European policy: Merz’ Intergovernmentalism or von der Leyen’s Supranationalisation?

Berlin Perspectives

Many eyes follow the ongoing coalition talks between the conversatives and social democrats closely: will the new German government take on a stronger leadership role in the European Union?Julian Plottka analyses how German European policy could develop in the future.

Lunch Debate: German European Politics at a crossroads?

After the super election year 2024, German European policy is facing major challenges and profound upheavals. With regard to European foreign, security and trade policy, the new German government must become proactive.

On the future of transatlantic relations – IEP Strategy Group Berlin Futures

Donald Trump's second presidency will once again put transatlantic relations to the test. How will the future relationship between Washington and Berlin develop and what strategic approaches are needed for productive cooperation?

16th Annual Conference of the German-Nordic-Baltic Forum

Due to the high geopolitical relevance of the region, the GNBF plays a key role in promoting dialogue. The focus in 2024 was on central topics such as transatlantic relations, critical infrastructure, EU enlargement and social polarisation.

German European Policy – Publication of the third edition of the Handbuch

Handbuch on Germany’s European Policy 2020

The 3rd, revised and updated edition of the Handbuch on German European policy was published in September 2024 under a new name. The new edition focuses on the coalition with the traffic light system and the effects of the ‘turning point’ caused by the war in Ukraine.

Study: German companies in Hungary

democratic backsliding

How do deficits in the rule of law in Hungary affect German companies and the European single market? The study defines 'illiberal economic policies' with which the Hungarian government wants to nationalize strategic sectors.

integration 03/24

In issue 3/24 of integration, you can read analyses and discussions on topics such as Germany's voting behaviour in the EU Council, the European legal system, dealing with refugee migration, European town twinning and Macron's visions for Europe.

Germany and the latest EU reform proposals

Berlin Perspectives

In this edition of the Berlin Perspectives, the authors call on the German government to intensify its efforts of strengthening European democracy through reforms at the very beginning of the new European legislative period.

Spinelli Forum 2024: Alumni Conference

The recent German-Italian Action Plan for strategic cooperation envisages comprehensive collaboration in various fields. Participants of the Spinelli Forum 2024 develop recommendations on how to put it into practise.

Rethink Poland: Poliy Paper

democratic backsliding

What is needed for a new German strategy towards Poland in view of the change of government in Warsaw in late 2023? This includes the revival of the Weimar Triangle, a proactive rapprochement on an equal footing and the search for synergies at EU level.