The 2025 Munich Security Conference has highlighted the profound changes in transatlantic relations—Europe must increasingly act independently. Following the federal election, Germany faces the challenge of taking on greater security responsibilities beyond its role as an economic powerhouse. DGAP experts offer concrete recommendations on how the new government can strengthen Germany’s position in an increasingly fragmented international order. Their assessments are summarized in the memo series "Global Germany: The Election for Clear Foreign Policy Goals."
For interviews, feel free to contact the experts directly or reach out to the press office at presse@dgap.org, +49 30 25 42 31-32. You are also welcome to use the following quotes.
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These texts are available in German. The following is a machine translation provided for convenience; please refer to the original German version for authoritative wording.
Almost Everything Is Unresolved
Germany urgently needs to reassess its foreign and defense policy priorities, define the necessary resources and tools, and ensure essential capabilities are in place.
Ceasefire in Ukraine: Peace Requires Preparation
The new federal government must systematically drive the mental and strategic shift in German politics and society. A fundamental rethink is needed, especially regarding the threat posed by Russia.
A Europeanized NATO Is Essential
If Germany wants NATO to remain strong, the answer isn’t to lament Washington’s retreat but to push for a stronger European role within the alliance.
For a Militarily Strong Germany
The Bundeswehr must expand quickly, be fully equipped, and ready for defense. This requires 250,000 soldiers, the reintroduction of conscription, and defense spending exceeding 2.5% of GDP.
Franco-German Defense Cooperation: Now or Never
Europeanizing the concept of sovereignty aligns with Germany’s interests. The next federal government should do everything possible to support Macron’s reform efforts. If it fails, the sovereignty debate in France could soon empower nationalists—turning against the EU as it stands today, and particularly against Germany.
Migration Diplomacy After the Federal Election
The goal for the next government coalition should be to forge realistic migration cooperation from diverse perspectives. Alongside working with EU partners, Germany should expand bilateral migration agreements with countries outside Europe, a political priority in recent years.
Germany Must Reclaim Its Role as a Trade Policy Leader in the EU
Germany and the EU need more rule-based free trade agreements in growth regions, particularly in Asia. The next government must actively promote negotiations with Indonesia and other ASEAN nations by 2025.
Economic Security in Times of Geopolitical Tensions
Germany must navigate a middle ground between US policies and over-reliance on the Chinese market. Economic security has become a new dimension of state sovereignty—it strengthens international partnerships, modernizes Germany’s foreign trade strategy, and enhances responsiveness.
Cyber Defense Alone Won’t Stop China’s and Russia’s Cyber Aggression
Instead of focusing solely on cyber countermeasures, which are often short-lived and ineffective, Berlin should develop a toolkit of geoeconomic and diplomatic responses to cyber operations from Russia and China.
Ending the Era of Naivety
The goal should be to build comprehensive and, above all, sustainable analysis capabilities on China to effectively address geopolitical challenges.
International Climate Financing Is in Germany’s Own Interest
Ambitious climate financing can lay the foundation for stable trade relationships, reduce climate-related security risks, and enhance Germany’s international reputation.
Social Justice as a Strategy in German Foreign and Development Policy
Rising inequality destabilizes societies, undermines democracy, and fuels conflict. The German government must make promoting social justice—both nationally and globally—a core part of its foreign and development policy to reduce and prevent instability.
Global Health Is Also a German Interest
Security and defense are unsustainable without functioning healthcare systems. To stabilize global health infrastructure, Germany must take action on two fronts: financially and strategically.
Reviving Cooperation in the Fight Against Hunger
Where nutritious food is scarce, every child should receive a healthy, locally sourced meal every school day. This would demonstrate Germany’s commitment to ensuring a dignified life for all—beyond just focusing on raw materials, exports, or migration in its relations with the Global South.
"Global Germany" in a Fragmented and Interconnected World
Germany needs a comprehensive strategy that integrates economic and security policies while coordinating its approach to Russia, China, and transatlantic and Indo-Pacific relations under one framework.
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