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

Sarkozy and Merkel: Limit Banker Bonuses

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

Sarkozy and Merkel: Limit Banker Bonuses

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

Sarkozy and Merkel: Limit Banker Bonuses

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

New Atlanticist

Aug 27, 2009

Sarkozy and Merkel: Limit Banker Bonuses

By James Joyner

Germany chancellor Angela Merkel is backing French president Nicolas Sarkozy’s plan to curb executive bonuses at next month’s G20 summit.  The EU is finalizing a plan to implement similar rules among its member states.

European Union Germany
German Euro Notes and Coins

New Atlanticist

Aug 26, 2009

Is Germany’s Economy Really Powering Ahead?

By Edward Hugh

Well, euphoria in Germany is certainly on the rebound, with a sudden surge in the ZEW investor confidence index and newspaper articles all over the place predicting the imminent renaissance of European economic growth, despite the fact that in 3 of the 5 big European economies – the UK, Italy and Spain – there is […]

Economy & Business Germany

New Atlanticist

Aug 14, 2009

German Terrorists Wanted to Kill Americans

By James Joyner

A foiled German terrorist plot against airports, military bases and off duty hangouts of American soldiers was motivated by Islamist zeal and hatred of American foreign policy, the group’s leader has revealed. Their intent was to kill as many Americans as possible to punish us for an alleged “war against Islam.”

Germany

New Atlanticist

Jul 8, 2009

Germany’s Iron Cross a New Symbol of Hope?

By Nicholas Siegel

On Monday, for the first time since 1945, German soldiers were awarded the Iron Cross for bravery on the field of battle.  The ancient Teutonic symbol, which dates back to the Crusades and was first awarded as a military medal in 1813, was pinned onto the chests of four German servicemen who dragged wounded comrades […]

Germany

New Atlanticist

Jul 6, 2009

Europe’s Dwindling Interest in Afghanistan: The Case of Germany

By Brendan Boundy

European interest in supporting NATO’s Afghanistan mission is low and getting lower.  Recent events in Germany are a case in point.

Afghanistan Germany

New Atlanticist

Jun 30, 2009

German Court Upholds but Delays Lisbon Treaty

By James Joyner

“Germany’s highest court has ruled that the Lisbon Treaty is not fundamentally incompatible with the country’s constitution. However, it has called a halt to the ratification process until the German parliament changes a domestic law to strengthen the role of the country’s legislative bodies in implementing European Union laws.” 

European Union Germany

New Atlanticist

Jun 26, 2009

German-American Partnership in Peril?

By James Joyner

In today’s Spiegel, Gregor Peter Schmitz asks, “Does the US Still Care about Germany?”  His starting point is Chancellor Angela Merkel’s wistful praise of a certain Atlantic Council chairman – and the fact that so few American politicians were there to hear her speech.

Germany United States and Canada

New Atlanticist

Jun 17, 2009

Whither the Social Democrats?

By Nicholas Siegel

As Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Germany’s current Foreign Minister and Hail Mary Social Democratic candidate for Chancellor in the September elections, began to speak at his inaugural campaign rally this Sunday in Berlin, Europe’s socialists held their collective breath. 

Germany

New Atlanticist

May 1, 2009

May Day Riots in Germany, Turkey, and Greece

By James Joyner

David Smith recently argued that the peaceful demonstrations we’re seeing in Georgia and the United States are a healthy part of democracy. Today’s May Day violence in Turkey, Germany, and Greece show the flip side of the coin.

Germany Greece

New Atlanticist

Mar 27, 2009

U.S. Commander: Keep Brigades in Germany

By James Joyner

The commander of U.S. forces in Europe is urging keeping two heavy brigades in Germany rather than sending them back to the United States, citing the benefits of training with NATO allies and logistical advantages for regional deployments.

Germany NATO
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Experts

Fellow

Tyson Barker

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

Cybersecurity Digital Policy

Staff

James Batchik

Deputy Director, EU Programs and Operations

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
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