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The Foreign Policy of the Government

At the outset of the 21st century, the basic framework of German foreign policy has changed fundamentally and continues to change. Germany’s foreign policy is oriented towards the aims of maintaining freedom, peace and prosperity, promoting democracy, developing respect for human rights all over the world, fostering sustainable development in all countries of the southern hemisphere and safeguarding the future of the global community.

In the whole of Europe, democracy, the rule of law and market-economy principles have made crucial progress. At the same time, however, Europe - along with other regions of the world - has also experienced an outbreak of armed conflict within ist own borders. The creation of a stable and enduring peaceful order in Europe, the further development of international relations and the creation of a legal framework for these relations, especially the development and elaboration of effective strategies for conflict prevention and peaceful resolution of conflicts, are therefore ongoing priorities of German policy. Support for human rights, readiness to engage in dialogue, renunciation of force and confidence-building form the foundation of this policy.

Foreign policy is the responsibility of the federal government. The Chancellor determines the guidelines of foreign policy. Within these guidelines, the foreign minister bears day-to-day responsibility for foreign policy as head of the foreign office.

Germany is prepared to assume greater responsibility in this changing world. Its framework for action in the sphere of foreign policy will continue to be the close relationship with its European and international partners.

Therefore, Germany’s foreign policy on the European level is focused on deepening and enlarging the European Union (EU) to become a full-fledged partner in all areas of global policy as well as on the further development of partnership-relations with the regions bordering the EU, in the interest of promoting development and stability.

On the international level, Germany’s framework for action in the sphere of foreign policy will continue to be the further development of the Atlantic Alliance (NATO) and transatlantic cooperation as well as the strengthening of international organizations, above all the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the development of a more active and important role for Germany in these organizations.

The United States is Germany’s closest ally and partner outside the European Union. Germany is working with the United States on a comprehensive concept for reorganizing and strengthening the Euro-Atlantic partnership for the 21st century in order to meet the global political and economic challenges arising after the turn of the millennium. Germany’s and Europe’s ties with the United States remain extremely close. This transatlantic partnership is based on vital mutual interests and values, and has manifold historical, human, cultural and political ties.

Foreign Office Overview of German Foreign Policy