U.S., Germany: Common Ground in a Complex Relationship

Germany's geographic position at the heart of Europe forces Berlin to formulate a multifaceted foreign policy. It must balance its military alliance with the United States against its energy ties with Russia, Berlin's largest natural gas supplier. This balancing act often creates friction between U.S. and German leaders, but both countries are interested in developing stronger economic ties. It is through this context that U.S. President Barack Obama's June 18-19 visit to Germany must be viewed. During his visit — his first official visit to Germany as president — he and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will to try to advance a U.S.-EU free trade agreement.