germany and EU integration Flashcards
who is the current chancellor of germany
Olaf Scholz
how did germany have MORE DISLOCATION THAN ANY OTHER EUROPEAN POWER DURING THE 20TH CENTURY
2 world wars
5 different political systems
2 currency destruction - 1923+1948
partition and unification in 1990
Germany now is as stable, if not more than any other country in Europe however it has had more dislocation than any other European Power during the 20th century with two world wars, with Germany being held accountable for starting of both which has been created a stigma surrounding Germany. It has had five different political systems, authoritarian, democracy, part living under communist rule, and then reuniting them again in the 90s. There has been two currency destructions, in 1923 and 1948 after the wars. There was a huge partition, both psychologically, economically, politically and geographically, and then the final unification in 1990.
how is germany the dominant power in Europe
Central location and 11% of landmass - (France has 17%)
Borders with nine other countries
83.13 million people (2021 estimate) approx. 18.6% of EU total
GDP (2023 estimate) = $4.12 trillion- 4th globally
3rd largest export country in world
Largest economy in Europe: Services = 70% of the total
GDP, industry 29.1%, agriculture 0.9%
how dominant is Germany in Europe.
It has a central location, and has 11% of the land mass and borders 9 countries.
* It has 83.5 million people, which is around 16% of the EU total
* Its estimated GDP (2018) is $3996 trilliant, which is 6.45% of the global GDP
* And it is the 3rd largest exporting country in the world – they have always been interested in international trade, they have always seen the importance of interdependence
* 70% of the GDP is the service industry, and industry is 29.1% but agriculture is only 0.9%
germany and post cold war integration
Voluntary ‘self restraint’
Market interdependence
Commitment to international fora
Non-nuclear power
‘Principled Multilateralism’
modern changes in germany
Most original goals achieved
Declining ability to be EU ‘paymaster’
End of Kohl era 27 September 1998: ‘the 1968 generation into power’
GERMANY AND EUROPEAN INTEGRATION IN THE
1990s
Increasingly conditional support; ‘enlightened
self-interest’
Renewed pride in German identity:
More self-confident nation
Germany’s budgetary contribution
GERMANY IN THE ‘BACK SEAT’?
Germany economic challenges – massive West to East financial transfer, so Germany no longer have the surplus to be the pay master of Europe as it has its own problems to look after (PP FOR FACTS)
Eastern Germany’s GDP per head is still only 67% of that in Western Germany
Multiple concerns/options
Changing relations with France, US, CEECs and Russia – not all relationships are comfortable with one another. France was concerned about relations with CEECs and creating power blocks with them to increase the influence in the EU.
Ongoing division about the role of Germany in the world – commitment to international security is now potentially different – if Germany has a problem, they may provide medical over front line support
Paymaster pressure – how is the whole going to be filled after Britain leaves the EU, some states are going to lose their net contributor status
Psychological divide – East and West leadership
Continuing culture of historical memory – leadership aversion
german economic crisis
2009 - German economy shrank by 5% (worst performance since 1932);
big decline in exports (c. 15%); rising
unemployment
current german problems
Changing relations with: France, US, CEECs(Central and Eastern European Countries) , Russia
Ongoing revision of world role
‘Paymaster pressure’
Psychological divide
Continuing culture of ‘historical memory’
ANGELA MERKEL AS CHANCELLOR (2005-21):
Merkel as ‘pragmatic pro-European’
‘the euro is our common fate and Europe is our common future’ (Merkel, December 2010)
Traditionally pro-European and pro-Atlanticist
Tension with Trump administration especially
Differences in the Franco-German tandem e.g. enlargement, immigration, pace of EU reform Germany is standing up more now for self-interest, they want to enlarge but France are saying EU needs to sort itself out first before letting others in, the pace hasn’t occurred due to her political control has weakened in Germany
Uncertainty over Germany after 2021 when Merkel leaves office
key german characteristics
One of the original EEC members
“CONSENSUS POLITICS” – SME – wanting to build consensus to sort out political issues – Social Market Economy, tries to take out the harsh consequences of the free market but still have the positives of the free market
Civilian Power – great distrust with rearming West Germany, both within and outside
No ABC weapons, Atomic Biological and Chemical – it stuck with it – If they wanted to, they could easily do it, but they have chosen not to
Phased out conscription only in 2011, civilianise German military
Attraction for West Germany to be involved in Integration
International acceptability – the legacy of responsibility over the war, it wanted to regain international trust and acceptance, so they needed to do this by building up trust, proving themselves, it was a way of reassuring West German neighbours
A sense of identity domestically – A country that is divided, a sense of identity was needed to be restored or provided, “good European” is what became important
Means to “protect Germany from itself” – It didn’t really have any options other than to accept what the international community wanted, they were able to rearm quite quickly, the German economic miracle in the 50s
Repel communism – although it quickly reconstructed in a Western way, they wanted to be secure against communism, and other European states wanted to keep Germany democratic
Markets – You need markets to sell and buy and grow – but also shows cooperation and working within a group
It was a complete no brainer, it had nothing to lose from integration and the upside advantages are compelling. They are often called the “pay master of Europe” and they sustain this throughout.
Helmut Kohl (CDU 1982-1998) and Gerhard Schroder (SPD 1998-2005) governments
Broad Foreign Policy Continuity:
It becomes United, but East matches the West.
Voluntary – ‘Self-restraint’ – it shows neighbours that is continuing the good European outlook that they had previously shown
Market interdependence – the East Lander have to turn themselves into that of the West
Commitment to international fora – avoiding showing any leadership in the fear of the way it would be taken, they just threw themselves into different international institutions
Non-nuclear power
Principled multilateralism – overseas intervention felt like it need a UN mandate to sustain its priniples and gain legitimacy
Continuity within European integration
Great cooperation in JHA
Strengethening CFSP – encouraging Europe to work more as a block
Increasing powers for the EP – greater democratic accountability and it supported the EP getting those greater powers
Reforming voting procedure – Qualified Majority voting with the least problem
Development of subsidiarity – devolving power to the post appropriate level – it is a federal system so this is easy for Germany, they have been keen to encourage this in the EU – it doesn’t agree with a European Federal super state, but sees the importance of devolved power
Enlargement to CEECs – saw the importance of uniting those old communist European states – could be seen as trying to make it fair, could be seen as Germany trying to get states who historically are similar to join the EU to give them more power
Broad Changes after cold war
Most original goals achieved – fully rehabilitated country, strongest economy, so the calculations of what it gets out of intergrations have changed
Declining ability to be the EU ‘paymaster’
End of Kohl era 1998 – end of the cold war leaders, the ‘1968 generation into power’ it brings in different perspectives, different experiences shape political decisions – future over past
Germany is changing, it is slowly shifting away from being defined by the wars, and there is increasing support for a conditional support for enlightened self-interest.
There is a new pride surrounding German identity, and it is more self confident of a nation.
EMU stability and Growth Pact – German was concerned about maintaining strict criteria * Germany’s budgetary contribution
what was the schuman plan
The Schuman Declaration was presented by French foreign minister Robert Schuman on 9 May 1950. It proposed the creation of a European Coal and Steel Community, whose members would pool coal and steel production.
it was an act
of profound political idealism and a calculated exercise in power-sharing by the
French state. It gave Konrad Adenauer the opportunity to begin steering the new
German republic back into the free society of nations. He was ready to do this even
if it meant postponing hopes of unification and permitting neighbouring states to
influence the pace and character of German post-war reconstruction
germany at the start
German statesmen showed a consistent willingness to accept a collegial
decision-making (shared responsibility ) process: Bonn fought for its interests but never insisted upon
vetoing items of policy broadly acceptable to the Community as a whole. West
Germany was a “good citizen” of the European project, not an “awkward partner,”
as Britain was to be when it entered the Community in the 1970s.3
growing german influence in the 1970s and 80s
The Federal Republic’s
extraordinary economic success – not to mention its comparative political stability – led Bonn to exercise an ever-greater role in the development of the European Community in the 1970s and 1980s. Under Willy Brandt, Helmut Schmidt and
Helmut Kohl, West Germany came to imprint its values and political centrality on
the Community as a whole. The European Monetary System (EMS, 1979) was the
fruit of Franco-German cooperation, but the policy innovator, this time, was West
Germany.
european monetary system (EMS)
The EMS was created in response to the collapse of the Bretton Woods Agreement
The European Monetary System (EMS), heavily influenced by West Germany, played a pivotal role in the dynamics of European integration and reshaped the balance of power within the European Community.
helmut Schmidt, the West German Chancellor, was angered by the United States’ monetary policies in the 1970s, particularly the competitive devaluation of the dollar (lowering the dollar’s value to boost U.S. exports).
German Principles: The EMS was designed around German economic values, emphasizing “sound money” (stable currency values) and balanced budgets
French Leaders’ Acceptance: agreed to adopt the German-influenced EMS principles
However
When François Mitterrand became President of France in 1981, leading a left-leaning government (including Communists), he opposed the EMS’s constraints. His government pursued expansionary fiscal policies
- rance’s departure from EMS-aligned policies caused an economic crisis. By 1984, France needed financial assistance from Bonn (West Germany’s capital), symbolizing a dependency on German economic strength.
what are the 4 broad themes of german eu integration
The historical dimension of Germany’s relationship with European integration is important as a first theme. It is no exaggeration to suggest that European integration helped emancipate the FRG from the historical legacy of turbulent relations with France, Nazi tyranny, and the opprobrium of the Holocaust.
European policy - Germany’s European policy has displayed considerable consistency up to the contemporary era. Support for further integration, for enlargement, the market order, and the development of an EU “civilian power” have been key components. These policies are important contributors to understanding Germany’s role in the EU
the sources of Germany’s European policy - The political and economic system of the FRG forms an important backdrop to understanding Germany’s policy and role in the EU: the third theme. From the 1960s until the 2010s, EU membership was subject to cross-party consensus and permissive public support. These circumstances allowed the federal government autonomy in pursuing its European policy. However, the political climate of European policy has become much more contested in the 2010s.
germanys role and power in the EU - Germany’s role was placed in the spotlight by the succession of crises that have emerged within the EU and in its neighborhood in the 2010s, particularly the eurozone and migration crises. The fourth theme explores how the question of German power re-emerged.
the forming of the EU
Along with France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, Germany was one of the six founder members of the EU which concluded the Treaty of Rome on 25 March 1957. The signing of this treaty is regarded as the moment the European Union was born. Officially, at that point the Treaty established the European Economic Community (EEC)
Germany and eu currently
As the EU’s strongest economy, Germany bears a particular responsibility, particularly during periods of economic and social transition. This was evident during the Global Financial Crisis. Euro member states set up the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) as an emergency fund. EU states also showed solidarity during the Covid-19 pandemic, agreeing on a reconstruction package worth billions of euros. The “NextGenerationEU” plan was based on a Franco-German initiative.
Germany is supporting the integration of more members into the EU. The Union has been expanded many times in recent decades. The eastern enlargement of the EU in 2004 was especially important to Germany, as it marked the end of European division. At that time, ten Eastern and Central European countries joined - the biggest expansion in the history of the EU. When the UK left at the end of January 2020, this was the first time a member state had exited the EU. Despite this, Germany is prioritising close relations with the UK and sees itself as bearing a particular responsibility for shaping the UK’s future relationship with the EU.
In June 2024, EU accession negotiations commenced with Ukraine, which is under attack from Russia, and its neighbour Moldova. Germany is one of the leading advocates of the two countries joining the EU.
Germany works closely with its European partners across all policy areas. One of the EU’s core tasks is to find shared responses to the climate crises. In late 2019, the European Commission presented its “European Green Deal”. The aim is to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. Germany is committed to actively promoting efforts to achieve this goal
The Federal Government is also promoting the development of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The Policy encompasses roles ranging from crisis prevention to conflict management and post-conflict stabilisation. During its tenure of the EU Council presidency, Germany initiated what is known as the “Strategic Compass” in 2020. It is aimed at setting a clear course for common policies. The European Peace Facility was set up in 2020 during Germany’s Council presidency, aimed among other things at covering the shared costs of CSDP operations. Since February 2022 this has played an important role in supporting Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s illegal war of aggression.
Franco-German friendship – a driving force
France is Germany’s most important partner in Europe. Parallel to European integration, after the Second World War both countries established a close partnership
Franco-German friendship, sealed by the 1963 Elysée Treaty, is nurtured by close relations at the level of civil society and by numerous Franco-German institutions.
Signed in January 2019, the “Treaty of Aachen” follows on from the Élysée Treaty and realigns Franco-German relations for future challenges. Amongst other things, in it Germany and France agree to work closely to advance the European Union along with the other EU Member States, and to promote even further all those aspects of life shared by German and French citizens. For this reason, as of 2019 there has been, amongst other things, a Franco-German cross-border cooperation committee, and since 2020 a Franco-German citizens’ fund.
The parliaments of both countries likewise have close ties. As of 2019 the Franco-German Parliamentary Assembly convenes twice a year. It is made up of 50 members each of the German Bundestag and the French National Assembly. The body’s duties include monitoring implementation of the Treaty of Aachen, further rapprochement in terms of German and French parliamentary work, and the elimination of obstacles to a Franco-German economic area.
Germany and France are each other’s most important trading partner in Europe. Airbus, the aerospace corporation, is a symbol of the success of the close cooperation between Germany and France.
the Franco-German Youth Office (FGYO) shapes exchanges between the two countries at the civil society level. It was founded on the back of the 1963 Elysée Treaty. Since then, more than nine million children and youngsters from both countries have participated in exchange programs and other FGYO activities.
german committment to peace and secruity
On the one hand, Germany accepts this duty out of recognition of its historical responsibilities. On the other hand, it is in Germany’s interest to prevent crises and manage conflicts, as the effects of crises may be felt around the world, including in Germany.
Germany’s multilateral links form the basis for its foreign policy activity. For example, deployments of the armed forces always take place within systems of collective defence or security. Above all, these involve international organisations such as the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The Bundestag must also approve deployment of German forces abroad.
The priority for the Federal Government is always to use civilian means. The primary goal is to identify crises and conflicts at an early stage and to defuse them before they can escalate. Disarmament and arms control are key elements of German foreign policy. The guiding principle for efforts to promote peace, security and development have been formed since 2017 by the guidelines developed by the Federal Foreign Office: “Preventing crises, resolving conflicts, building peace”.
ever since the formation of the federal armed forces in 1955, Germany has been integrated into NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) both politically and militarily. Germany’s place at the heart of the north Atlantic alliance is part of the DNA of German foreign policy. Collective defence is the most important principle of the alliance
Ever since Germany joined the UN in 1973, the Federal Republic has been a committed, reliable and valued member of the organisation. Germany is the fourth-largest contributor to the UN general budget. In 2024, Germany contributed 6.1% of the budget, worth around 219 million dollars
Germany is making an important contribution to global security through its commitment to disarmament and arms control. The Federal Government is working towards a world free of nuclear weapons, based on the foundation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
arguments that Germany is not the central force in the EU
The EU is a union of 27 member states, and decisions often require consensus or at least significant input from all members. Other countries, such as France, play equally vital roles, especially in areas like defense (France’s nuclear capabilities) and foreign policy.
Other countries and regional alliances within the EU, such as the Visegrád Group (Poland, Hungary, Czechia, and Slovakia), have challenged Germany’s influence, particularly on issues like migration policy and rule of law.
germany’s pursuit of energy projects like Nord Stream 2 has been criticized as prioritizing national interests over collective EU energy security, undermining perceptions of its role in
Germany was not the sole or primary advocate for the EU’s eastern enlargement in the 2000s, where countries like Poland and the Baltic States joined the union. Other nations and institutions, including the UK at the time, played pivotal roles.
