Germany's Foreign Relations

German’s foreign policy has undergone significant changes through the years, and with it is its relation to other nation-states. Germany’s foreign policy is now focused on the maintenance of freedom, peace and prosperity, promotion of democratic values, development of human rights and sustainable development in all countries of the southern hemisphere.

Germany is part of the European Union, a political and economic community that has supranational and intergovernmental properties. The country has been one of the first member-states of the European Union. Germany is also an active member of the Group of 8 (G8) alongside Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, United Kingdom and the United States. The G8 countries represent 65 percent of the world economy.

The country also aims to further strengthen its cooperation with the NATO (National Atlantic Treaty Organization), United Nations and the OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe). The NATO offers a system of collective defense among the European and Atlantic states.

Germany has consistently shown active involvement in the peacekeeping missions of the United Nations. The country has always been in-full support of the policies and programs of the international organization. Germany is currently lobbying to acquire a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.

Outside the European Union, the United States is the country’s closest ally and partner. The partnership between the two countries is based on mutual interest and democratic values, and complexly interwoven historical, cultural and political ties.

Other international institutions where Germany is a member of include the European Space Agency, G4, International Monetary Fund, World Bank Group, World Trade Organization, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.