Recently German Chancellor Angela Merkel made a speech in Munich after the summit of Group-7 in Italy. She has touched necessary points that are related to German domestic and foreign issues, and the external policy of the European Union. Merkel said, the EU should be strong and not depend on other powers.
Eurasia Diary interviewed Stefan Brüne, a professor of Political Science and Social Geography regarding Merkel’s speech in Munich.
Eurasia Diary: Mrs Merkel said in her speech that Europeans must really take their fate in their own hands. However, some political experts regard that the fortune of the European Union depends on political and economic power of Germany. What is your opinion about this?
Stefan Brüne: The European Union (EU) comprises of 28 member states. Germany is one of the countries can only do well if Europe is doing well. Narrow-minded nationalism is outdated. However, since Europe can no longer rely on its long standing British and US allies, the EU must be prepared to “take its fate into its own hands” said Angela Merkel. At the same time the EU will have to remain on good terms with the US, Britain and other countries like Russia. By contrast, meanwhile, Merkel is right in wishing the new French president, Emmanuel Macron, every success in reforming his country – while promissing Germany would do what it could help France in a bid to revive the ailing Franco-German ally that long powered Europe.
Eurasia Diary: How do you think, is Merkel really interested in maintaining neighbor relations with Britain, USA and Russia?
Stefan Brüne: She is. But there is a limit. The British "yes" vote on withdrawing from the EU and the American "yes" vote mark a populist danger since they could be seen as the first stations on the road to a global political change. Something the EU does not want.
Eurasia Diary: During NATO summit, Donald Trump criticized that German exports is dominant in US market. How do you predict German-USA diplomatic relations during Trump presidency?
Stefan Brüne: It will not be easy. The US president reportedly described German trade practices as “bad, very bad” in separate talks in Brussels and complained that Germany is Europe’s largest economy and sells too many cars to the US. On the German side there will be a mix of charme and toughness. And there are German interests that are connected to free trade and human rights.
