In Paris, Berlin’s aspiration to leadership in Europe is met with a mix of relief, disappointment, and concern. To meet the latter, Germany will need to reinvent itself.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz wants to take on a greater leadership role in the European Union. But his own methods are his greatest obstacle.
As Berlin sees its role as a middle power grow, it is both constrained and bolstered by being embedded within the European Union.
The United Kingdom is not so much worried about Germany seeking too much influence. Rather, it is concerned that Berlin still appears reluctant to exercise its capabilities for geopolitical ends.
Poland has considerable reservations about Germany’s large-scale rearmament. Berlin should change its narrative, include Warsaw in key discussions, and undertake practical steps to make its commitment to the defense of Central Europe more credible.
