Germany

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

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

Issue Brief May 8, 2026

Can Friedrich Merz’s chancellorship survive?

By Phyllis Berry

One year into his chancellorship, Friedrich Merz heads a government beset by economic stagnation, low public approval, and coalition tensions.
Economy & Business Elections
Lichfield quoted in CNN Business on Russia’s import substitution policies following western sanctions in 2014

Dispatches May 5, 2026

‘Zeitenwende’ is anchoring Germany’s role as a Baltic Sea Power

By Anna Wieslander

The Merz government has been keen to emphasize that Germany is a trustworthy and long-term security provider in the region.
Defense Policy Germany
Lichfield quoted in CNN Business on Russia’s import substitution policies following western sanctions in 2014

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

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

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

Insights & Impact

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

New Atlanticist

Feb 17, 2022

Twenty questions (and expert answers) about what’s happening with Ukraine and Russia

By Atlantic Council experts

As the crisis in Eastern Europe continues to unfold, we tapped our expert network to answer the burning questions about the implications for Russia, Ukraine, and the wider world.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Feb 9, 2022

Will Germany’s new leader be reliable enough for Washington? 

By Rachel Rizzo

Chancellor Olaf Scholz must recommit Germany to the transatlantic alliance. That's no easy task.

Germany Politics & Diplomacy

UkraineAlert

Feb 7, 2022

Still not too late for Germany to honor its commitment to Ukraine

By Eugene Czolij

Germany says a sense of "historical responsibility" over Nazi crimes prevents Berlin from adopting a firmer stand against Russia. Many in Ukraine ask why this logic does not also apply to the millions of Ukrainian WWII victims.

Conflict Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Feb 3, 2022

Ashford in Foreign Policy: Will Germany hobble Western sanctions against Russia?

By Atlantic Council

On February 3, Emma Ashford co-authored an article in Foreign Policy with Rachel Rizzo, Senior Fellow in the Europe Center, on the problems for European energy sanctions related to the Ukraine crisis.  “The core issue, however, is less one of German intransigence but rather that there are limited options on the table for sanctions in the event […]

Crisis Management Eastern Europe
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Experts

Fellow

Valeska Esch

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

European Union Germany

Staff

Jörn Fleck

Senior Director

Europe Center Transform Europe Initiative

Digital Policy Economy & Business

Fellow

Nik Foster

Nonresident Fellow

Global China Hub

China Energy & Environment

Fellow

Jacob Heilbrunn

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Media Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Michael Köhler

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Transatlantic Project

Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East

European Union Germany

Fellow

Didi Kirsten Tatlow 

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Global China Hub

China Politics & Diplomacy