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Germany’s foreign policy parameters
German foreign policy is value-oriented and interest-led. Its foreign policy agenda over the past 24 months has been dominated by Europe, working for peace, new players and managing globalization.
Europe
Europe is the foundation of Germany’s foreign policy. In the current debt crisis the German Government has urged the need to link European solidarity with improved fiscal sustainability and to create “a stability union” that will strengthen the European project and safeguard its long-term future.
EU flags in front of the European Parliament in Strasbourg
© picture-alliance/ dpa
EU flags in front of the European Parliament in Strasbourg
EU flags in front of the European Parliament in Strasbourg
© picture-alliance/ dpa
Our relations with Poland have intensified considerably over the past two years. There has been progress on collaboration both in the Weimar Triangle – the format for cooperation between Germany, France and Poland – as well as in the context of trilateral cooperation between Germany, Russia and Poland. Special efforts were made generally to strengthen relations with our EU partners. In the first year after taking office, Foreign Minister Westerwelle paid visits to all EU capitals.
The German Government is keen for the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy to be developed further. With its Weimar Triangle partners, it launched an initiative to expand the EU’s planning and command capabilities for civil-military operations and put them onto a permanent footing.
Germany wants to see an effective European External Action Service, which will refocus particularly the EU’s neighbourhood policy towards its eastern neighbours and its Mediterranean neighbours to the south, where massive changes are now taking place.
The German Government has offered “transformation partnerships” initially to Tunisia and Egypt; at a later stage it is planned to offer such partnerships to Libya, Morocco and Jordan as well. Also at German initiative, the EU has decided to launch a Partnership for Democracy and Shared Prosperity with the Southern Mediterranean.
German foreign policy is peace policy
Foreign Minister Westerwelle chairing a Security Council meeting in July 2011
© Photothek / Grabowsky
Foreign Minister Westerwelle chairing a Security Council meeting in July 2011
Foreign Minister Westerwelle chairing a Security Council meeting in July 2011
© Photothek / Grabowsky
Germany views security policy as a primarily multilateral task. It emphasizes the importance of networked security and a preventive approach. NATO’s new Strategic Concept identifies also disarmament and non-proliferation as important priorities.
Germany endorses the long-term goal of a world without nuclear weapons. It supports in particular the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative, which at Germany’s invitation held a meeting in Berlin in April 2011.
Following its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2011/2012, Germany now has a special responsibility to live up to. In this capacity it seeks to highlight issues it believes are particularly important, such as better protection for children in situations of armed conflict and greater recognition of the security implications of climate change.
In the anti-piracy operations off the Horn of Africa as well as in Afghanistan and the Western Balkans, Germany has assumed military responsibility in order to ensure that UN decisions are indeed implemented. While Germany’s military and civil engagement in Afghanistan has been stepped up, withdrawal by the end of 2014 has for the first time been identified as a realistic prospect. The upcoming Afghanistan Conference in Bonn is intended to lend momentum to the political process in the country and the development of a long-term partnership.
In the Middle East conflict, too, the German Government follows developments with keen attention. Besides supporting state-building in the Palestinian territories, Germany is backing the efforts of the Middle East Quartet to get direct talks between the conflict parties started.
On the issue of Iran’s nuclear programme, Germany is working closely with France, Britain and the United States for the E3 + 3 to take a clear and united stand vis-à-vis Iran.
New players – managing globalization
Economic powerhouse Shanghai
© picture-alliance/dpa
Economic powerhouse Shanghai
Economic powerhouse Shanghai
© picture-alliance/dpa
German foreign policy seeks to make the most of the opportunities globalization offers and to minimize its risks. Managing globalization requires groundrules. In this context Germany is focusing also on new themes such as resource security, climate protection, water-related issues, migration and freedom of the Internet.
Although Europe and the transatlantic partnership remain its cornerstones, German foreign policy is now giving increased attention to forging and developing partnerships with new players such as China, India and Brazil.
Within the framework of the EU’s Strategic Partnerships, Germany pursues here a comprehensive approach, in which cultural relations and education policy instruments as well as intensified external economic promotion and intergovernmental consultations – in 2011 held for the first time with China and India – all have a part to play.
With Turkey, another important partner, Germany also cultivates a very intensive dialogue. Latin America and Africa are highly dynamic regions, to which the Government’s two new regional concepts seek to do justice.
As a country for which openness to and interaction with the world are vital, Germany has taken first steps towards a visa policy that is both less bureaucratic and better fitted to Germany’s long-term future.
Respect for human rights is the best peace policy there can be. Upright campaigning for universal and inviolable human rights is an important part of a value-oriented foreign policy. Following natural disasters in countries like Haiti and Pakistan, Germany’s humanitarian assistance has helped save lives and relieve suffering.
Last updated 27.10.2011