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.

Content

Atlantic Debrief

Mar 10, 2025

#AtlanticDebrief – What was at stake in the German federal election? | A debrief with Jörn Fleck

Jorn Fleck, Senior Director of the Atlantic Council's Europe Center speaks with Rachel Rizzo about the German federal election.

Elections Europe & Eurasia

Balkans Debrief

Mar 7, 2025

Will Merz step up Germany’s role in the Balkans? | A Debrief with Gerald Knaus

Ilva Tare, Europe Center Resident Senior Fellow, speaks with Gerald Knaus about the German elections on February 23 and the next government's approach to the Western Balkans.

Elections European Union

New Atlanticist

Mar 6, 2025

How European leaders are responding to Trump’s approach to Ukraine and Europe

By Atlantic Council experts

From London and Berlin to Paris and Brussels, European leaders have taken several notable steps this week on security. This follows the blow-up between the Ukrainian and US presidents on February 28.

Europe & Eurasia European Union

In the News

Mar 5, 2025

Luetkefend co-authors essay with Army War College focused on Germany’s foreign policy shift since 2022

On February 27, Theresa Luetkefend, an Assistant Director in the Forward Defense program, co-authored an essay with Jeff Rathke, the President of the American-German Institute, through the US Army War College’s Strategic Studies Institute. Luetkefend’s essay, titled “The International Dimension: NATO, the EU, and Multinational Cooperation,” was featured in a broader report called Assessing the […]

English Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

Mar 5, 2025

How Europe wants to rearm itself

By Piotr Arak

Ahead of an important European Union (EU) meeting on March 6, plans are in development at both the EU and member state levels to boost defense spending.

Conflict Defense Policy

New Atlanticist

Feb 28, 2025

How Merz can leverage Germany’s green transition for growth and security

By Carol Schaeffer

Cutting back on green policies would be an economic and strategic mistake. The incoming German government can either seize the momentum or let others lead the way.

Economy & Business Elections

Inflection Points Today

Feb 24, 2025

History’s clock is ticking (again) in Germany

By Frederick Kempe

Likely incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s election-night mention of the need for “independence” from Washington signals the stakes of this moment for Germany and Europe.

Elections Germany

New Atlanticist

Feb 23, 2025

Germany shifts rightward: Our experts answer the big questions about the country’s election

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts explain what the outcome of Germany’s elections will mean for policymakers in Berlin, Brussels, and Washington.

Defense Policy Economy & Business

Eye on Europe's elections

Feb 20, 2025

Your primer on the German elections

By Stuart Jones, Rachel Rizzo, and Jacopo Pastorelli

As Germans prepare to elect their next Bundestag, our experts break down the top issues at play.

Elections Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

Feb 19, 2025

Germany’s economy has gone from engine to anchor. Here’s what the next chancellor faces.

By Piotr Arak

Revitalizing growth in Germany’s economy, which appears increasingly mired in stagnation, will demand urgent action from the next chancellor.

Economy & Business Elections

Experts