Germany's Policies Towards Russia and Eastern Europe: Continuity or Change?
Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and launch of the still ongoing military aggression in Eastern Ukraine in 2014 triggered a rethinking of Germany’s Ostpolitik, i.e. its policies towards Russia and Eastern Europe. Berlin was instrumental for the EU’s decision to introduce sanctions against Russia, took the lead in the Normandy format to achieve a political solution regarding Eastern Ukraine and reversed the trend of falling defence spending.
Moscow’s recent massing of troops at Ukraine’s borders, rhetorical escalation, and recognition of the two ”people’s republics” in the Donbas have now brought the topic back to the top of the agenda – and at a time when there is a new German government in place. This government has been criticised, among other things for its restrictive arms export policy, but also just halted the certification process for Nord Stream 2.
Speakers:
John Lough, Chatham House – The Royal Institute of International Affairs, London
Sabine Fischer, German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), Berlin
Angela Stent, Georgetown University & Brookings Institution, Washington, DC
The webinar was moderated by John Zachau, analyst at SCEEUS.
Watch the recording of the webinar here
