Germany’s next coalition government, formed by the Christian Democrats (CDU) and the Social Democrats (SPD), has unveiled plans to significantly strengthen Europe’s global influence and security through a more united and strategic approach. In a draft agreement that emerged during intense coalition talks in Berlin, the two parties emphasized their commitment to enhancing the European Union’s geopolitical presence and defense capacity.

This draft, confirmed as authentic by Euractiv, highlights a growing consensus between the two major political forces on how to approach key EU policies in the face of increasing global challenges. Although party subgroups had prepared individual sections of the agreement, the final decisions were left to the party leaders. Despite some lingering differences, both parties aligned on nearly all EU-related goals.

Friedrich Merz and the Future of EU Policy

Friedrich Merz, the future chancellor and former member of the European Parliament, made European policy a priority during the negotiations. His leadership in the discussions points to a strong commitment to bolstering the EU’s role in global geopolitics.

The new coalition government has made clear its intentions to strengthen the EU’s defense and security capacity. The parties criticized the previous government for weak coordination in European matters and promised to provide stronger leadership in the face of mounting global challenges. Their agreement centers on the idea of making Europe more autonomous and capable of acting independently on the global stage.

This vision for Europe includes a more strategic approach to foreign policy, defense, and international relations, where the EU will have the tools necessary to safeguard its interests. The coalition aims to ensure that Europe speaks with one voice on major global issues, enhancing its presence in the international arena.

EU Budget Reform and Expanding EU Integration

A significant part of the coalition’s proposal centers around the upcoming EU budget talks, set to begin this summer. The parties intend to reshape Europe’s future by shifting the focus of the EU’s budget toward defense and competitiveness. The agreement calls for a shift away from outdated allocation models and proposes new funding strategies that reflect the current security and economic challenges facing the region.

One key aspect of this plan involves offering candidate states gradual integration into the EU before full membership. The coalition seeks to extend early inclusion in the EU Parliament and Council to these countries, ensuring they are involved in the decision-making process long before their official membership is granted. This move is aimed at bringing aspiring member states closer to the EU fold and providing them with a path to full integration.

The two parties also reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine, pledging to provide assistance “for as long as necessary” in the ongoing conflict with Russia. However, they carefully avoided using the phrase “whatever it takes,” a line often associated with more hawkish foreign policy positions.

In line with their ambitions for a stronger EU, the coalition also called for the expansion of majority voting in EU foreign policy, particularly in the area of foreign affairs, to prevent individual member states from using veto power to block critical decisions. The draft agreement also references the “passerelle clause,” which allows changes to be made without the need for a full treaty reform, providing more flexibility in decision-making.

Germany also aims to strengthen cooperation with France and Poland, especially within the Weimar Triangle framework. For the first time, Italy and Spain have been included in a new “Weimar Plus” concept, which could pave the way for even deeper collaboration between these key European nations.

Internal Tensions: Who Controls EU Policy?

While the new coalition has ambitious plans for Europe, internal tensions are surfacing over who should hold the reins of Germany’s EU policymaking. Deep disagreements remain between the CDU and SPD on how to best manage the country’s role in European affairs.

A major issue concerns Germany’s rule to abstain from EU votes if the coalition cannot reach a consensus. This rule has repeatedly undermined Germany’s influence in Brussels, as ministries publicly clash over policy positions, leading to ineffective voting and missed opportunities.

To resolve this issue, the CDU has proposed that Chancellor Merz be given the authority to lead EU coordination or take control of EU matters when necessary. They argue that this would ensure unity during negotiations and prevent damaging abstentions that have hampered Germany’s effectiveness in the past.

However, the SPD opposes this idea, fearing it would centralize power in the hands of the chancellor and shift control away from other ministries. Instead, the SPD proposes setting deadlines for the government to take a public position, hoping to pressure ministries to compromise and reach agreements more quickly.

This disagreement over EU coordination remains a significant sticking point in the negotiations. As both parties work to finalize the coalition agreement, the issue will likely need to be resolved at the leadership level, with party leaders making the final decision.

A More Unified European Future?

Despite these internal challenges, the new coalition’s agreement marks a significant step toward a more unified and strategic European future. The Christian Democrats and Social Democrats are united in their vision of a stronger, more autonomous EU capable of navigating an increasingly complex and volatile global landscape.

The push for EU budget reform, expanded integration for candidate states, and a more strategic foreign policy underscores Germany’s commitment to reshaping the EU into a global leader in both defense and economic competitiveness. At the same time, the coalition’s pledge to provide ongoing support for Ukraine highlights the EU’s continued commitment to standing up to external threats and promoting democratic values.

As the EU budget negotiations begin this summer, all eyes will be on Germany’s leadership and its ability to navigate internal and external challenges. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the coalition’s ambitious goals can be realized and whether the EU can move closer to the vision of a truly united and powerful Europe.