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Germany’s incoming government is setting its sights on reshaping the European Union’s (EU) role in global affairs and defense. With an ambitious agenda to strengthen Europe’s geopolitical power, the new coalition—formed between the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats—has begun drafting a pact to guide the country’s future approach to European leadership.

The talks, which are currently ongoing, have resulted in a draft agreement, confirmed by Euractiv, with final decisions now awaiting approval from party leaders. Both the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats show strong alignment on European matters, especially when it comes to positioning Germany as a leader in EU policy. Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian Democrats and a former member of the European Parliament, has made European leadership a central part of his political agenda.

Germany’s Role in Europe: Shaping the Future

The incoming government is prioritizing the EU’s geopolitical and defense capabilities, particularly as Europe faces increasing global instability. The war in Ukraine, alongside the U.S. scaling back its role on the global stage, has underscored the need for European nations to take on more responsibility in their own defense and foreign policy. Germany, with its new coalition government, intends to lead Europe through these challenging times.

The coalition’s draft emphasizes a shift in the EU’s approach to security and defense, aiming to reduce internal conflicts and boost the union’s strategic independence. After years of indecision within the EU, particularly during the tenure of Germany’s previous coalition government, the new administration is eager to step in and provide strong leadership. By offering bold new proposals, Germany is looking to steer Europe toward a more unified and independent future.

A Focus on Defense and Geopolitical Influence

The proposed coalition pact seeks to expand the EU’s defense capabilities by promoting stronger defense budgets and more efficient decision-making. These changes come at a time when global security dynamics are rapidly evolving, and many EU members are calling for more coordination in foreign policy matters.

One of the key aspects of the coalition’s vision is to strengthen the EU’s defense posture, especially with regards to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The coalition has made it clear that Germany intends to support Ukraine for the long term, though they have not used the more forceful language seen in some other European countries regarding military action.

The German government is also committed to advancing EU enlargement strategies to accommodate new candidate countries. These countries would gain early access to EU institutions, with the idea of accelerating their integration into the union before achieving full membership status. This approach is seen as a way to promote stability and strengthen the EU’s position globally.

A Shift in EU Budget Priorities

As part of their bold new direction, Germany’s government plans to push for a change in the EU’s long-term budget talks, which are set to begin this summer. The coalition intends to prioritize spending on defense and competitiveness, rather than continuing the traditional spending patterns of the past. The coalition is advocating for a more forward-thinking budget that reflects the changing global landscape and the evolving needs of the EU.

One significant aspect of this shift is the coalition’s desire to support defense spending in a way that promotes the union’s security without relying on the same financial models that have been used in the past. The aim is to build a stronger and more self-sufficient Europe, one that is better equipped to navigate the geopolitical challenges ahead.

France, Poland, and New EU Alliances

Germany’s new leadership also intends to strengthen its ties with key European countries, including France and Poland. However, the coalition’s draft suggests expanding the scope of collaboration to include Italy and Spain. This broadening of alliances reflects Germany’s commitment to building a more unified European Union, where coordination and collaboration across borders are paramount.

For the first time, the “Weimar Plus” format—an informal grouping of Germany, France, and Poland—has appeared in a German coalition agreement. This development indicates Germany’s willingness to engage in more regional collaborations, helping to foster deeper relationships within the EU while also improving Europe’s geopolitical leverage.

Internal Leadership Struggles Could Threaten EU Strategy

Despite the coalition’s clear vision for a more unified and assertive Europe, internal disputes within Germany could potentially undermine the country’s ability to lead. The draft agreement omits mention of joint EU debt for defense spending, which remains a contentious issue among EU members. While some countries have supported the idea of sharing defense costs, Germany has made it clear that it will not finance the debt of other member states.

Another significant issue is the so-called “German Vote,” which refers to Germany’s abstention from EU votes when there is a disagreement between its ministries. This rule has weakened Germany’s influence in key EU decisions in the past. To address this problem, both parties in the coalition have proposed solutions to eliminate the gridlock, but there is a fundamental disagreement on how to proceed.

The Christian Democrats, under Merz’s leadership, propose granting the Chancellor the authority to resolve disagreements between ministries on EU policy matters. This would give Germany’s top leader the ability to direct coordination and resolve any deadlock that might arise. On the other hand, the Social Democrats (SPD) are concerned about centralizing too much power in the Chancellor’s hands. They suggest setting deadlines for ministries to agree on unified positions, though this solution would not eliminate the need for abstentions entirely.

Navigating the Future of European Unity

Despite these internal disagreements, both parties remain optimistic that the issues can be resolved in the coming days. Germany’s coalition government is determined to reshape Europe’s future, and leaders are confident that their vision for a more robust and independent EU will prevail.

With new alliances, shifting priorities in defense spending, and a focus on unity, Germany’s incoming government is positioning itself to lead Europe through an increasingly complex and uncertain world. If successful, this vision could not only transform Germany’s role within the EU but also redefine the European Union’s global position.