Europe

Die wirtschaftliche Integration der euro-asiatischen Region nimmt Form an, mit der Zollunion zwischen Russland, Belarus und Kasachstan ist ein wichtiger erster Schritt erfolgt. Am Ende soll der freie Verkehr von Waren, Dienstleistungen, Arbeitskräften und Kapital stehen. Die Eurasische Union werde aber kein Konkurrent der EU, sondern ein Bindeglied zwischen Europa und Asien sein, betonte Tatjana Valovaya.

Media and economics – these were the main topics of the first study trip of the 8th Diplomatenkolleg to Hamburg from 15 to 16 November 2012. The participants also took a close look at the specific characteristics of German federalism during their visit to the Hanseatic city.

Only three weeks after taking office—and before meeting with the German foreign minister—Maia Panjikidze came to an expert talk at the DGAP to clarify the new government in Tbilisi’s foreign policy priorities. Her most important message: Georgia seeks a connection to the EU and NATO and hopes for reconciliation with Russia. However, the re-opening of diplomatic relations with Russia will remain impossible as long as Russia continues to occupy Georgian territory.

In what way is the past significant for the present? What is Germany’s remembrance culture? What are the tasks of the Federal Commissioner for the Files of the State Security Service of the former GDR? What role do Germany’s political foundations play at home and abroad? Participants in the 4th International Diplomats Programme explored these and other questions at their program day in Berlin on November 8, 2012.