Germany’s Social Democrats – the junior partner in the coalition government – believe the country’s relationship with the United States must be revamped.
President Donald Trump’s policies raise doubts about the reliability of the US government as an international partner and ally, according to a paper to be adopted by the centre-left SPD executive committee on Sunday.
The paper comes as the party begins work on a new policy platform, in a process formally started on Saturday.
The party executive believes the geopolitical situation has completely changed since the last fundamental foreign policy positioning in December 2023.
“While the relationship with the US under the Biden administration was still characterized by a deep, shared foundation of values, Donald Trump’s administration is raising doubts about this reliability,” the paper states. “Transatlantic relations can no longer be taken for granted.”
Party leader Lars Klingbeil – also Germany’s vice chancellor and finance minister – emphasized that “the noticeable departure of the US government under Donald Trump from partnerships and alliances is a reality.”
Europe must therefore offer partnership, but at the same time rely on its own strength, he told dpa. “We are leading the way with France and others in Europe. I want a Europe that is politically and economically powerful, an attractive centre and a reliable partner for other states and regions,” he said.
Klingbeil’s proposals include giving preference to European products in defence procurement, for example. “We are strengthening our independence and securing jobs in Germany and Europe,” he said.
Source: dpa
