The limits of Germany’s Zeitenwende Published: 7 December 2023 Commentary Russia’s invasion of Ukraine did change how Germany thinks about its own security and its relationship with Russia, says Christina Keßler. But the country is still wary of playing a major role in European defence. With Russia unlikely to attack NATO territory soon, Britain should not assume that Germany will take on a leadership role on European security. Christina Keßler
Germany can still be a valuable UK ally Published: 25 October 2023 Commentary Brexit and Britain’s Indo-Pacific tilt may have convinced Germany that the UK is no longer interested in defence co-operation, writes James Rogers. That would be a mistake. The two can build on each other’s strengths in NATO and in the defence of Ukraine. James Rogers
“Social justice must be strengthened in European legislation” Published: 12 April 2023 Interview In her interview with Dr. Christine Pütz, Terry Reintke, Co-President of the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament, offers her opinion on the study “Actually European?! Citizen Expectations towards German EU Policy in the Context of Crisis and Transformation” and makes the case for Germany’s commitment to show its dependability and solidarity. Dr. Christine Pütz, Terry Reintke
“The keyword must be greater European capacity for action” Published: 12 July 2022 Interview Anna Lührmann, Minister of State for Europe and Climate at the German Federal government, talks to Christine Pütz about the results of the "Actually European?! 2022" study and what the citizens expect from Germany’s European policy at this “turning point in history”. Dr. Anna Lührmann, Dr. Christine Pütz
Actually European!? 2022 Published: 30 May 2022 Executive summary This year's representative survey shows that citizens expect Germany to play a more active role in the EU in this "Zeitenwende". In addition, the study identifies three trends under the impression of the current threats and challenges for Europe. Dr. Christine Pütz, Dr. Johannes Hillje
Böll EU Brief 04/2026 | German Rearmament: Handle with Care - Public Attitudes in Six EU Member States Published: 27 October 2026 Böll EU Brief Germany is rearming. How do its European partners feel about it? A new Böll EU Brief presents what is, to our knowledge, the first public survey of its kind, with more than 9,000 people in France, Poland, Italy, Greece, Lithuania and Czechia. Two thirds support German rearmament, but backing varies by country and does not always come with trust. The top concern is the rise of extremist forces in Germany. Asked who should lead the defence of Europe, the largest group wants the EU to share that role, with no single country in charge. Germany must rearm, but also reassure. Roderick Kefferpütz
