Germany's Relationship With Russia Under a New Government

Germany's status as a NATO member and one of the most important members of the European Union stands in contrast to its interest in a strong bilateral relationship with Russia. The issue returned to the fore early Nov. 27, when German Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union, its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union, and the Social Democratic Party reached a coalition agreement. Apart from agreeing on new domestic policies such as the introduction of a minimum wage, the agreement outlines the parties' foreign policy priorities. As in the past, one of these priorities is to broaden collaboration with Russia.

Next year the bilateral relationship is unlikely to see any drastic change. However, apart from preserving the cohesion of the European Union, Germany's main foreign policy challenge over the coming years will be managing its relationship with Russia at a time of European structural weakness and Russian resurgence. In particular, Russia's growing involvement in Central and Eastern Europe will conflict with Germany's aspirations of European cohesion.