Germany

Germany is a key player in the transatlantic relationship and—in cooperation with the United States—has been part of the backbone of the international order for decades. Germany is crucial to the European continent’s defense, with the role it played in reinvigorating NATO, and also Europe’s economic and political integration. Since war returned to the European continent in February 2022, the United States and Germany continue to bolster their cooperation, helping to pave the way for a strong US-European partnership, the benefits of which reverberate far beyond transatlantic shores.

FEATURED COMMENTARY & ANALYSIS

#BritainDebrief – Can Decarbonization Disarm Putin’s War Machine? A Debrief from Laurie Laybourn

Dispatches Mar 2, 2026

Willkommen to Germany’s ‘super election year.’ Here’s what to expect.

By Phyllis Berry

A series of state elections between March and September could see gains by the far-right Alternative for Germany, further challenging Germany’s centrist parties.
Elections Germany
#BritainDebrief – Can Decarbonization Disarm Putin’s War Machine? A Debrief from Laurie Laybourn

Report Nov 10, 2025

Germany’s policy on China: From win-win to strategic competition

By Valbona Zeneli

Germany’s China policy has shifted from economic optimism to cautious competition—balancing trade interests with mounting security concerns. Once built on deep interdependence, Berlin now prioritizes “de-risking” and resilience in its approach to Beijing.
China Economy & Business
#BritainDebrief – Can Decarbonization Disarm Putin’s War Machine? A Debrief from Laurie Laybourn

New Atlanticist Sep 16, 2025

Dispatch from Berlin: To succeed, Merz must resist the false choice of focusing at home or abroad

By Jörn Fleck, Rachel Rizzo

The chancellor’s coalition will have to tackle both Germany’s economic renewal and the threat to European security from Russia.
Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

Events

Public Event Tue, October 28, 2025 • 5:00 am ET

Summit on the Future of Energy Security
Energy & Environment France Germany Italy
Public Event Thu, July 24, 2025 • 8:45 am ET

Germany’s digital minister on Europe’s digital competitiveness
Digital Policy Economy & Business Germany

Program

The Europe Center promotes the transatlantic leadership and strategies required to ensure a strong Europe.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAM

Content

Britain Debrief

Mar 12, 2022

#BritainDebrief – Can Decarbonization Disarm Putin’s War Machine? A Debrief from Laurie Laybourn

By Ben Judah

As European countries have reluctantly started to announce programs to be less reliant on Russian oil and gas, Senior Fellow Ben Judah interviews Laurie Laybourn, Visiting Fellow at the Chatham House Sustainability Accelerator for #BritainDebrief.

Climate Change & Climate Action Conflict

In the News

Mar 9, 2022

Central Bank Digital Currency tracker cited by Reuters on Biden’s executive order

Read the full article here.

Digital Currencies Digital Policy

Britain Debrief

Mar 4, 2022

#BritainDebrief – What impact are Britain and Allied sanctions having on Russia? A Debrief from Dr. Maria Shagina

By Ben Judah

As Britain joins the global anti-invasion coalition to take increasingly assertive economic action against Russia, Ben Judah interviews Dr. Maria Shagina, visiting fellow at the Finnish Institute for International Affairs' Center on US Politics and Power, for #BritainDebrief.

Conflict Crisis Management

Britain Debrief

Mar 4, 2022

#BritainDebrief – Is this economic war with Russia? A Debrief from Edward Fishman

By Ben Judah

As a newly-formed anti-invasion coalition forms in the international community and takes increasingly severe economic actions against Russia, Senior Fellow Ben Judah interviewed Edward Fishman, former Russia and Europe Lead in the State Department’s Office of Economic Sanctions Policy and Implementation, for #BritainDebrief.

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Mar 2, 2022

Lichfield quoted in CNN Business on Russia’s import substitution policies following western sanctions in 2014

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Mar 1, 2022

Lichfield quoted in NBC news on Germany-Russia relations

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

New Atlanticist

Mar 1, 2022

Will Germany’s geopolitical awakening last?

By Roderick Kefferpütz

For Germany’s new government, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a geopolitical baptism by fire.

Crisis Management Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Mar 1, 2022

Sullivan joins Asharq News to discuss NS2 bankruptcy
Arabic Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

New Atlanticist

Feb 27, 2022

Experts React: What’s behind Germany’s stunning foreign-policy shift?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our Europe Center experts weigh in on Germany’s about-face on military spending, arming Ukraine, and the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

Conflict Defense Policy

Inflection Points

Feb 27, 2022

Ukraine has finally prompted the West to shift course on Putin

By Frederick Kempe

The Zelenskyy delegation’s chance to succeed in talks at the Belarus border with a Russian delegation would be far greater if Putin were confident that the West has Ukraine’s back.

Conflict Crisis Management
Load More

Experts

Fellow

Tyson Barker

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

Cybersecurity Digital Policy

Staff

James Batchik

Associate Director

Europe Center

Central Europe Digital Policy

Fellow

Phyllis Berry

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Europe & Eurasia France

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Noel Coenraad

Strategy Advisor, Vattenfall AB

Millennium Leadership Program

Energy Transitions Germany

Fellow

Samuel Denney

Nonresident Fellow

Transatlantic Security Initiative

English Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Hanna Dohmen

Nonresident Fellow

Global China Hub

China Chinese
Load More