July 2020 ISSN 1864-3973

SHUTTERSTOCK/MONTAGE GT

IN THIS ISSUE A HERCULEAN TASK BY PUBLISHER Commission possible DETLEF PRINZ

Ursula von der Leyen is working hard to offset nyone in 2020 with the impact of the pandemic a pair of eyes or Aears cannot help but recognize the enormity European Commission – garnered there were even export bans of pean Commission also cooperated of the tasks and challenges BY SYLVIA SCHREIBER respect for her latest launch. She medical goods to other EU coun- with member states to bring back confronting Germany’s cur- brought a breath of fresh air to the tries. There were also ugly scenes 600,000 EU citizens stranded rent presidency of the EU he idea of selling the Brussels behemoth and encour- at border crossings and loud cries abroad and in some cases loos- Council. At stake is nothing European Green Deal aged her officials to bundle all from Southern Europe, which felt ened EU budgetary and financial less than the internal recon- Tas Europe’s “man on the planned environmental, energy abandoned, especially by Germany. regulations for EU countries and ciliation of Europe and the moon moment” was no doubt and economic legislative propos- The number of virus-related infec- industries. Still, the EU had not yet fortification of our continent very much to the liking of Ursula als together in a new package tions and deaths skyrocketed and provided any concrete road map in the eyes of the world, von der Leyen. She is an expert at under the Green Deal banner: the the lockdowns began, with each for Europe to protect its citizens so that it can again play setting the perfect stage for intro- ambitious climate protection law, EU country fending for itself. and emerge united from the crisis. an important role in inter- ducing policies with an emotive closed-circle economies, recycling In those early days of the pan- “Europe has been ambushed by national affairs and speak tone and professional glow. Last regulations, sustainable agriculture, demic, Ursula von der Leyen had an unknown enemy,” wrote von with a united voice that can December, less than 14 days after der Leyen in the conservative daily be heard across the globe. being elected president of the Die Welt. Soon thereafter came This is where we stand at European Commission, von der the moment when the president the moment. Leyen stepped up to the micro- – a passionate horse rider – took The fact that expectations phone to announce a new epoch Von der Leyen passionately up the reins again. After Germa- of Germany’s Council – one in which green investments ny’s Angela Merkel and France’s presidency also include and regulations would usher in presented what she called Emmanuel Macron presented a the finalization of the EU’s the ecological transformation of gigantic reconstruction plan for Europe. She spoke of the “mobi- a Marshall Plan for Europe Europe consisting of €500 billion lization of the entire continent” in grants for EU members in need, and called for the “decarboniza- von der Leyen added an additional tion of industry and transporta- €250 billion in credit for an EU tion,” promising at least €100 bil- CO2 taxation, the rededication of all but disappeared. “It was as if recovery plan to be supplemented lion in new funds. The goal was entire budgets, etc. The year 2020 she didn’t know whether there was by the 2021–2027 EU budget with a to render Europe climate neutral was supposed to mark the launch anything she could even do with volume of roughly €1.1 trillion. by 2050, with an interim target of the ecological age – with Europe the commission at that moment,” With clenched fists emphasizing of reducing CO2 emissions by at at the very forefront of efforts to says one Brussels insider. After all, every sentence, von der Leyen pas- least 50 percent by 2030. save the planet. the EU does not do health policy, sionately presented what she called Although von der Leyen has a Of course, everything turned which is still the domain of each a “Marshall Plan for Europe” to financial framework, ambi- reputation for launching large proj- out differently. And in January individual member state. the EU parliament: “We will get tious progress on EU cli- ects without knowing exactly if or and February, as COVID-19 made It was not until late March that out of this crisis together and make mate policy and the sus- where they were going to land, her its way from China to Europe, as the president emerged from her decisions about future investments tainable reinforcement of plan for a Green Deal actually came the first mass graves appeared in Corona shock, issuing the first together.” The plan would later our continent’s digital sov- at the perfect moment, as millions Italy and the healthcare systems guidelines for health-related be given the more contemporary ereignty – not to mention of young people were taking part of EU member states teetered on border management, introduc- name “Next Generation EU.” addressing the never-end- in the Fridays for Future demon- the verge of collapse, the EU was ing a strategic EU stock of medi- By mobilizing this huge sum ing conflict in the Middle strations. After a somewhat bumpy nowhere to be seen. Each nation cal equipment and reopening the of EU funds, von der Leyen was East and the ongoing crisis inauguration, the new president pursued its own course on border flow of goods at Schengen borders with Iran – shows how criti- – the first woman to head the closings and health regulations and via the “Green Lane.” The Euro- continued on page 3 cal German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s political experience will be in the It is an exceptional moment in coming months, just as her BY WOLFGANG ISCHINGER the history of Germany as it is much vaunted ability to Hanging together surrounded by friendly neigh- distinguish between what’s or more than a decade, bors who are (almost all) mem- important and what’s urgent the European Union has Germany must enable the EU to become bers of its most important inter- will be indispensable in Fbeen in constant crisis national institutions, the EU and holding the European mode – from the financial and a stronger foreign policy actor NATO. Union together by means the refugee crises to the seem- Our security and our political of an appeal to both our ingly never-ending Brexit influence in the world depend larger and smaller member negotiations. The COVID-19 to Germany. This is not just hegemon in the European Union survival of the European Union on these partnerships. In a world states. This is a herculean pandemic is more than just the because Berlin happens to hold or that it could or should actu- – for both economic and politi- increasingly shaped by great- task. newest addition to this con- the EU Council presidency ally lead alone. It means that, cal reasons. While we often dis- power strategic rivalries and Nevertheless, I am person- glomerate of challenges that for the second half of 2020 – without German leadership, cuss our economic dependence transnational risks, the Euro- ally convinced that if there former European Commission although this role does put the there is not much hope for the on exports to China, it is the pean nation-state alone offers no is anyone in Europe up to President Jean-Claude Juncker country in the driver’s seat. All EU to successfully cope with the European single market that refuge – not even for the most the job of tying up the EU’s has dubbed Europe’s “polycri- across Europe, governments challenges it is facing. Germany will determine the future of the populous member state of the many loose ends into one sis.” The economic and political are looking for German leader- assuming a forward-looking German economy, which would European Union. cohesive whole and giving repercussions of the pandemic ship because – whether it likes leadership position, while not be devastated if European inte- How Germany and its partners our continent the boost it are so severe that European it or not – Germany has become alone sufficient for Europe’s eco- gration were to unravel. deal today with the pandemic so urgently needs, that leaders cannot resort to their Europe’s “indispensable nation,” nomic recovery and the develop- As Chancellor Angela Merkel and its repercussions will shape person is Angela Merkel. usual tactics of incremental as then-Polish Foreign Minister ment of a truly common Euro- recently noted, “Germany will the European Union of tomor- We should all wish her the adaptation. This time, it will Radosław Sikorksi proclaimed pean foreign and security policy, only fare well in the long term row. Germany could become best of luck, as Germans – simply not be enough. in 2011. is one necessary condition. if Europe fares well.” In political Europe’s “enabling power” and, and as Europeans. With the European Union at This does not mean that Ger- For Germany, there is no more terms as well, Germany is depen- the brink, all eyes have turned many should assume the role of vital national interest than the dent on European cooperation. continued on page 2 2 The German Times July 2020

he tasks ahead of us up to this promise by ensuring sion’s strategy for a Green Deal trans-Atlantic alliance, is fending are tremendous. They that citizens really can be free to is therefore an important guide- more for itself. Trequire tremendous live according to their religious line for us. Following it closely We can and must decide for our- exertions. They need parliamen- beliefs, their cultural or political during our Presidency, we want selves what Europe wants to be in tary debate, they need political convictions, that they may pursue to manage the transition to a this rapidly changing global order mediation, they need cultural their own idea of happiness or the carbon-neutral economy and – whether we are serious about transposition into our various good life. society and to a green economy Europe and whether we want a countries and regions. The pandemic has shown us Europe’s magic with strong and innovative com- Europe that retains its freedom Five issues are particularly all very clearly how precious panies – an economy which will and its identity even in the age of important to me at this time: fundamental rights are, how safeguard and strengthen key life globalization. A situation like this our fundamental rights, cohe- elementary the freedoms are resources and Europe’s competi- calls for a strong European For- sion, climate change, digitalisa- that they guarantee. They must may bind again tiveness for future generations. eign and Security Policy. tion and Europe’s responsibility be bolstered and supplemented It is important to me in this con- The United Kingdom is and will in the world. These five issues by the second principle that text that we enshrine Europe’s remain an important partner in are important because we must makes Europe what it is: cohe- aim to be climate neutral by 2050 this context. Shaping our future lastingly transform Europe if we sion. Europe will only emerge Speech given at the European Parliament in legislation. And so I welcome partnership will occupy us a great want to protect it and preserve it. strengthened from this crisis if by Chancellor Angela Merkel on the the European Commission’s pro- deal over the next six months. For only then will Europe be able we are willing, in spite of all our posal, as an interim step, of reduc- Progress in the negotiations has to play a sovereign and respon- differences, to find joint solutions, objectives of Germany’s presidency ing emissions to 50 to 55 percent been – to put it mildly – modest. sible role of its own in a rapidly and if we are willing to see the of the Council of the EU 2020 of 1990 levels by 2030. With this I will continue to work for a good changing global order. world through each other’s eyes aim in mind, we will support the solution. But we should also make The worldwide COVID-19 and to be understanding of each Brussels, July 8, 2020 work on the European Climate plans in case no agreement is pandemic has had a serious and other’s perspectives. Law. reached after all. unforgiving impact on people in Europe will be stronger Another major challenge is During our presidency, we Europe. It has claimed more than than ever after the crisis if we the digital transformation. Like should do our utmost to make 100,000 lives in Europe alone. strengthen our community spirit. climate change mitigation, it progress in three other areas of Our economy has been struck a Nobody will get through this requires us to sustainably change foreign policy as well: firstly, the heavy blow. The reverberations crisis on their own. We are all the way we live and do business. accession conference at least continue to shake us. Millions vulnerable. European solidarity This makes many people scared – with North Macedonia, perhaps of workers have lost their jobs. is not just a humane gesture, but scared of losing all that is familiar, Albania too – an important step Many EU citizens have come to a lasting investment. European and scared by the speed of change. towards giving the countries of the fear for their livelihoods, in addi- cohesion is not just a political PICTURE ALLIANCE/DPA But the commitment to digitaliza- Western Balkans a prospect of EU tion to fearing for their health imperative, but also something tion, like the commitment to cli- accession – and, secondly, our rela- and the health of their families. that will pay off. mate change mitigation, does not tions with our neighbouring conti- In order to break chains of It is also the leitmotif of our mean abandoning all that we have nent Africa and the African Union, infection, temporary restrictions Council presidency: “Together built up and thus risking the jobs which we want to intensify for the had to be placed on the most for Europe’s recovery.” Together of millions of Europeans. On the future at an EU-Africa Summit. elementary fundamental rights. with the federal government, I contrary: this is a necessary trans- This will still include issues relat- This was a very high price to pay, will devote myself passionately formation of our society which ing to cooperation on migration. since generations of Europeans to this task. will bring greater protection and We bear a special responsibility had fought hard to win these The German presidency’s top sustainability in the long term. It to move forward on asylum and fundamental rights. As someone priority is to see Europe emerge is important that Europe become migration policy. This question who lived 35 years under a system from the crisis united and stron- digitally sovereign. We want to requires much political sensitivity, that denied its citizens freedom, ger. But we don’t merely want make progress, particularly in key but we must not look away; rather, the decision to limit these rights to stabilize Europe for the short areas such as artificial intelligence we have to face up to this humani- during the pandemic was one that term. That would be too little. and quantum computing, but also tarian and political task together. I found immensely hard to take. What we want is a Europe that in the development of a trustwor- Thirdly, and not least of all, we It is in this historic phase that gives grounds for hope. We want thy and secure digital infrastruc- will be addressing our strate- Germany takes over the Council a Europe that tackles the tasks ture. gic relations with China, which presidency. I have great respect at hand courageously and with Protecting our democracies are characterized by close trade for this task, but also a great pas- self-assurance. We want a Europe effectively from cyber threats and links but equally by very different sion for it. For I trust in Europe. I that is capable of coping with the disinformation campaigns is also approaches to social policy, par- am a firm believer in Europe – not future, that holds its own in the vital. Because a democracy needs ticularly respect for human rights just as our heritage, but as provid- world in an innovative and sus- a public arena in which knowledge and the rule of law. Even if the ing hope and vision for the future. tainable manner. We want a new and information can be shared and EU-China Summit unfortunately Europe is not just our destiny, a beginning for Europe. where people can enter into dis- cannot take place in September, legacy that has been passed on to This resolve was the spring- cussion and agree on how they we want to continue the open dia- us, imposing obligations. Europe board for the Franco-German Start-up: German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Brussels on July 8, presenting want to live. Right now we see logue with China. is a living entity that we can shape initiative of mid-May. Together Germany’s agenda for its presidency of the Council of the EU how the pandemic cannot be tack- During our presidency of the and transform. We will be able with French President Emman- led with lies and disinformation, or Council of the EU, we also intend to preserve our beliefs and our uel Macron, I proposed a €500 What is important now is that we return to nationalism means not with hatred and hate speech. Fact- to continue our deliberations on freedoms with Europe – and not billion recovery fund for Europe. as Europe reach agreement. more, but less control, and that denying populism is being shown whether or not we want to retain without it. I am pleased that the European I am convinced that the social only joint action by Europe as a its limits. Truth and transparency the principle of unanimity in mat- Just think of the tests and trials Commission is incorporating dimension is just as decisive as whole can protect and strengthen are needed in a democracy. That ters of foreign and security policy. that Europe has recently survived many aspects of this Franco-Ger- the economic one. A socially us. is what characterizes Europe, and And we should debate what les- – the failure of the Constitution man initiative into its proposal for and economically just Europe is Efforts to overcome the pan- that is what Germany will cham- sons Europe can learn from the for Europe fifteen years ago, the the Multiannual Financial Frame- crucial for democratic cohesion. demic and its repercussions will pion during its presidency of the COVID-19 crisis, for example how economic and financial crises work and the recovery program. It is the best way to counter all shape our Council Presidency. Council of the EU. Europe’s sovereignty in the health and the refugee flows we saw in Discussions on this basis are cur- those who seek to weaken our At the same time, we must con- The last issue is Europe’s sector could be strengthened. 2015 – Europe has overcome all rently ongoing in the European democracies and question all that stantly keep an eye on the other responsibility in a globalized In December 2020, Ludwig van these crises because ultimately Council under the leadership of binds us together. For that reason, major challenges of our age, chal- world. A glance at the map will Beethoven, composer of the Euro- everyone knew what was indis- Charles Michel. Our common too, we will focus particularly on lenges which have not gone away. show that Europe is surrounded pean anthem, would have been pensable: fundamental rights goal is to reach agreement as young people and children during Firstly, climate change. About on its external borders not only 250 years old. His 9th Symphony and cohesion. Human rights and quickly as possible. Because our presidency. They are the half a year ago, European Com- by the United Kingdom and the overwhelms me again and again, civil liberties, the inviolability of the extent of the blow to the future of Europe, and they are mission President Ursula von Western Balkans but also by coun- even after all this time. Every time human dignity, free development economy calls for rapid action. especially hard hit by the crisis. der Leyen presented her cli- tries including Russia, Belarus, I listen to it, I discover something of the individual’s personal, polit- There is no time to lose – only We mustn’t be naive. In many mate program. She stressed that Ukraine, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, new in the music that impresses ical and social being, protection the weakest would suffer. The member states, the Euroscep- Europe needed to act now if our Jordan, Israel, Egypt, Libya, Tuni- and moves me – and it’s the same from discrimination and disdain, situation is exceptional – in fact, tics are just waiting to misuse planet were to remain viable. I, sia, Algeria and Morocco. At the with Europe. Europe, too, can be and equality – not just theoretical unprecedented in the history of the crisis for their own ends. We too, am convinced that a global same time, we are living in an rediscovered again and again. So but lived equality – these form the European Union. That is why must now show them all exactly solution to climate change will age of global upheaval, when the permit me to end with the hope the ethico-political foundation Germany has advocated an excep- what the added value of coopera- only be possible if Europe plays patterns of power are shifting that Beethoven’s message, the on which Europe is built. That is tional and unprecedented exer- tion within the European Union a pioneering role in climate pro- and Europe, even though many spirit of brotherhood and har- Europe’s promise. We must live tion, to the tune of €500 billion. is. We need to show them that a tection. The European Commis- member states are part of the mony, may guide us in Europe.

LEGAL NOTICE continued from page 1

Publisher Detlef W. Prinz

Executive Editor Theo Sommer together with its partners, take fund may indeed be a historic and try to forge rules-based solu- decisive steps toward a stronger step for European integration. tions within multilateral institu- Editor-in-Chief EU, endowing it with the neces- It sends an explicit and powerful tions, they should do so from Peter H. Koepf sary resources and capabilities signal of empathy and solidar- a position of cohesive strength Senior Editor to act effectively where nation- ity – a message so sorely missed and based on reciprocity, rec- Also from the MSC Lutz Lichtenberger states cannot. of late. If adopted, it will hope- ognizing that other actors may The timing of Germany’s EU Council presidency English Language Editor Or Europeans could watch fully help the whole of Europe not wish to share our rules-based could not be more significant: The COVID-19 pan- Jonathan Lutes the return of more national- to recover and indeed prosper. approach. Collectively, Europe, demic has created what is probably the single most ist policies and all that comes Yet, German leadership will at least in theory, has the power Copy Editor serious challenge to the survival of the EU as we Julie Hagedorn with them – the ultimate night- also be needed in strengthening and the capability to make its know it. mare for Germany. This is why Europe’s position in the world. voice heard and ensure that it In a special Munich Security Brief, we call for Ger- Art Director Paul M. Kern Berlin must embrace a European Given the changing character of does not fall victim to 21st-cen- many to become Europe’s “enabling power,” that imperative. the trans-Atlantic partnership tury power politics. As Benjamin is, a country that fosters, facilitates and spurs on Layout Johanna Trapp Whatever it does in the and the more confrontational Franklin once said: “We must, European progress rather than slow-walking it into months ahead, Germany should policies of both Beijing and indeed, all hang together or, the future. To this end, we argue that Germans Senior Advisor define and prioritize its actions Moscow, Berlin should double most assuredly, we shall all hang Oliver Rolofs now must embrace and implement the “European according to two criteria: first, down on efforts to enable the separately.” imperative.” Whatever Germany does in the months Publishing House whether they enhance the EU’s European Union to defend its If today holds an historic mis- ahead, it should evaluate its actions according to Times Media GmbH Tempelhofer Ufer 23-24 ability to recover economically values, its interests and its sov- sion for Germany, it is this: two criteria: first, whether they enhance the EU’s 10963 Berlin and politically; and second, ereignty in the world. Keeping the EU together and ability to recover economically and politically; and Tel.: +49 30 21505-400 whether they enable the EU to As EU High Representative enabling it to become a stronger second, whether they enable the EU to become a Printed in Berlin by become a more credible inter- for Foreign Affairs and Security foreign policy actor in the world. more credible international actor able to protect its Dogan Media GmbH national actor, able to protect its Policy Josep Borrell has repeat- values, interests and sovereignty in an increasingly An der Brücke 20-22 values, interests, and sovereignty edly argued: “In a competitive 64546 Mörfelden-Walldorf harsh security environment. in an increasingly harsh interna- environment, Europeans need to The Enabling Power. Germany’s European Impera- The German Times is a registered tional security environment. relearn the language of power.” Ambassador Wolfgang tive is available online in English and German at: trademark of Times Media GmbH. Ischinger is Chairman of the Fortunately, German elites But the EU will not be able to Munich Security Conference www.securityconference.org www.times-media.de seem to have understood that speak the language of power as and Senior Professor Press deadline the pandemic is the final wake- long as Germany does not. for Security Policy and July 17, 2020 up call. The recent Franco- Although the Europeans Diplomatic Practice at the Hertie School in Berlin. German initiative for a recovery should stick to their instincts July 2020 The German Times 3 h at t e Ru pe b o ic r o u n E

SHUTTERSTOCK

At the top of the agenda: cranking up the economy, tackling climate change, countering the rise of illiberal democracies

special and actually achieve a great Both Merkel and von der Leyen by the EU in the context of the of electricity from renewable ener- makers insist that ecological crite- BY PETRA PINZLER deal in the realm of environmental are aware that most of the pro- Paris Climate Agreement are com- gies, such as wind, hydro and solar. ria and environmental protection protection, of all things – is due to a grams created to offset the eco- paratively good: By 2030, the EU Stricter climate protection would play a greater role in determining e are facing “the great- series of both fortunate and unfor- nomic effects of the pandemic will will reduce its CO2 emissions by have very real consequences out- this flow, it will not make things est challenge in the tunate coincidences. only make sense if they also serve at least 40 percent as compared to side of the EU, as well, with many any easier. Whistory of Europe.” The first coincidence is that to combat climate change. If funds 1990. Given the pace at which the international climate negotiators Not everyone shares the idea When Angela Merkel uttered the economic crisis into which were used only to prop up the old climate is changing, this is far too predicting that bold European that funding for economic growth these words in the Bundestag all European member states have and polluting economic structure, slow. If the EU wants to show that policy decisions relating to the should automatically go hand in only a few days before Germany slipped as a result of the pandemic the state of emergency caused by it is taking the climate threat (and environment would send a clear hand with funding for climate pro- assumed the presidency of the EU is exceptionally deep. Some regions COVID-19 would be immediately its own promises) seriously, it must signal to other countries. China, tection. For example, the German Council, the chancellor was not are even on the verge of collapse. If followed by a climate catastrophe. show more ambition. for example, might then ramp up its chancellor is having a difficult time referring to the climate crisis. Nor the EU wants to get back on track Merkel has thus referred to her Merkel still has this ambition. At own efforts to become green. at the moment, even among her was she talking about the massive as quickly as possible, it will have EU job as a “double task,” which the height of Europe’s experience Still, ambitious goals are only a own supporters in the European and ever-increasing destruction to engage in more than just rou- is to say that “the responses to the of the pandemic in late April, she small part of climate policy. The People’s Party (EPP); these Chris- of the environment or the ongo- tine administration during the economic and social consequences announced that EU climate tar- Merkel-von der Leyen duo is also tian Democrats in the European ing extinction of countless species coming months. It is going to need of the pandemic” cannot include gets would need to be ratcheted pushing for the implementation Parliament don’t think much of the of plants, fish and insects. Merkel big programs, big ideas and big of the Green Deal. This involves Green Deal and are eager to make was speaking, of course, about the money. more support from Brussels for the all programs contingent upon posi- COVID-19 pandemic. The second coincidence is that restructuring of the EU economy tive developments in the economy. In the past several weeks, the Ursula von der Leyen, the German Both Merkel and von der along environmentally friendly “We have to stabilize industry pandemic appears to have eclipsed Christian Democrat who heads lines and the assessment of all pro- first before we can lead it towards the significance of all other politi- the European Commission, has Leyen are aware that most grams and projects in terms of their a climate-neutral future,” says EPP cal problems, no matter how press- made one thing clear from the climate impact. parliamentary leader Manfred ing they may be. Yet, anyone who very beginning: She wants to use of the programs created Much of the deal is controver- Weber. He argues that the priority thinks that environmental pro- the EU to prove that environmen- sial, however, and a number of should be to first assess the state of tection will have to be put on the tal protection and economic pros- to offset the economic details remain absent, in particular the European economy and deter- backburner – as has happened so perity are not mutually exclusive the approval of the vital spending mine how many of the new climate often in the past – may actually be and that industrial nations can effects of the pandemic programs by other EU member regulations it could sustain: “Only wrong this time. In the coming six indeed be restructured to become governments. This green light will then will we be able to think about months, it’s quite possible that the carbon neutral. In fact, at the will only make sense if not be easy to achieve. It remains a new set of rules regarding climate exact opposite will happen, for a very start of her presidency, she unclear who will contribute what protection.” Weber would like to number of different reasons. If all announced that one of her priori- they also serve to combat amount to the EU budget in the postpone environmental protec- goes well, under the German presi- ties would be the European Green climate change future and how large that budget tion to some point in the future. dency of the Council, the EU may Deal, which comprises an exten- should be in the coming years. He knows that he has the support just be able to achieve more for the sive spending program and ambi- The Multiannual Financial of many Eastern Europeans as well protection of the environment and tious climate legislation. “a return to traditional ways of up. She now envisions a reduction Framework (MFR) for 2021–2027 as allies in Southern Europe, where especially of the climate than in any The third coincidence is that the working and conducting busi- of 50 to 55 percent rather than 40 will have to be renegotiated, and the idea of linking funds from EU previous year. head of government now at the ness.” The current COVID-19 aid percent. In addition, a climate law this will be difficult due to the programs to strict conditions is also The EU Council presidency does helm of the EU Council is Angela programs encompass the double is set to make the goal of climate departure of the UK, which had unpopular. not usually involve any significant Merkel, a politician who began her aim of saving the EU economy and neutrality by 2050 a binding com- contributed a considerable amount In announcing her plan for Ger- degree of power in terms of shap- international career 25 years ago as simultaneously transforming it into mitment. For environmental activ- of money to the framework. many’s EU Council presidency, ing policy and launching initiatives. Germany’s environment minister a green economy. This requires ists, this is still far too little; they It is also still unclear how much Chancellor Merkel said: “With The basic task of the government at the very first climate conference giving the EU an eco-innovation are calling for at least a 65 percent money will flow into the recon- each summit, each negotiation, holding the temporary presi- in Berlin. Since then, Merkel has boost. reduction. But even Merkel’s lower struction fund proposed by the each conflict, each debate, [Europe] dency is to run the business for six been among those international There is certainly reason to be target would have a very quick and European Commission. According has also gained substance and […] months and – when faced with any leaders who have repeatedly and skeptical. In the past, a number of tangible impact. It might result in to a suggestion made by France and mutual understanding. All this was controversial issues – find fruitful decisively worked to promote a grand declarations and visions of CO2 certificates becoming more Germany, the EU would take €500 in truth not always easy. There compromises together with the global climate policy. As her chan- environmental revitalization issued expensive, which would make billion in hand and pass it on to were some bitter conflicts.” But heads of the other member states, cellorship is set to end in 2021, by new EU Council presidencies CO2-intensive practices less lucra- the hardest-hit member states. For they were overcome. Merkel hopes the EU Commission and EU Par- Germany’s EU Council presidency quickly withered and wilted, simply tive. its own part, the Commission has that this will once again be the case. liament. In order to achieve this will be her final opportunity to because they failed to find majority There would also have to be requested financial aid to the tune delicate balance, the government forge something big and lasting on support for their lofty plans. stricter requirements for diesel of €750 billion. holding the presidency must often the international stage. Her repu- The result has been a mixed bag. and gas engines. Furthermore, Yet another controversial issue pigeonhole its own ambitious goals. tation as the “climate chancellor,” The EU has reduced its greenhouse member states would have to pro- revolves around the precise condi- Petra Pinzler is a Berlin- The fact that things might be and thus a great deal of her legacy, gas emissions by 23 percent since vide stronger support for housing tions that determine exactly how based correspondent for the different this time – that is, that will depend on her accomplish- 1990, putting it far ahead of the and energy efficiency in general. money will flow from Brussels to weekly newspaper Die Zeit, with a focus on politics and Germany’s EU Council presidency ments and achievements in the pack of Western industrialized And they would have to start gen- those countries most affected by economics. could become something truly coming months. countries. Even the goals promised erating a significantly larger degree the COVID-19 crisis. If decision- continued from page 1 eager to show the EU’s strength major push towards integration as for years, namely to accept a com- on a much larger scale than before. wants to have the economic impact in the fall, and the clock is ticking on and demonstrate just how impres- a united group,” wrote the Zürcher munity of debt,” enthused Jean Qua- This would mean that the Com- assessed before his group decides a Brexit trade deal with the United sive Europe could be as a unit, espe- Tagesanzeiger. tremer, the veteran Brussels corre- mission would be less dependent whether or not to accept them. Now, Kingdom by the end of 2020. cially vis-à-vis the US, China and But it’s not just the European spondent for the left-liberal French on allocations from member states, the submission of the package and There is one major project where Russia. Commission that is undergoing an daily Liberation. thus receiving a big push in the direc- the analysis have been postponed all EU institutions are in full agree- By now, Ursula von der Leyen enormous power surge as a result of At the annual meeting of the elite tion of an EU central government. until the fall of 2020. ment: the Conference on the Future has become the “Corona presi- its responsibility to administer the group of French Keynesians known Among the models up for discussion Many of the legal projects designed of Europe. After a delayed start in dent,” despite the detailed nego- trillions of euros set to be pumped as the “Cercle des économistes” in are an EU-wide digital tax, a CO2 to foster digitalization in Europe are May, it is now scheduled to begin tiations that still must take place into the EU member states. The Aix-En-Provence in early July, one tax and a tax on plastics. In order also on ice, such as the analysis of the in the third quarter of 2020. For on the terms of funding distribu- reconstruction fund is also herald- participant described the “sacred to be able to implement all of the security impact of AI and the expan- two years, EU institutions, member tion. If she manages to keep her eye ing a paradigm shift in fiscal policy tone” in which the macroeconomists plans being set up to prepare for the sion of a joint EU research space. states, regions and civil society will on the prize and remain a master that many consider to be a big bang spoke of the debt union as a wheel coming years of recession, the Euro- New and important guidelines for discuss the future shape of the EU. bargainer with the EU states and in the development of Germany’s of history that would not be able pean Commission has already had an EU capital market union and an The search is now underway for a European Parliament, it will secure EU policy. to be turned back. Angela Merkel, to revise its working plans for the EU money-laundering directive are leading personality to guide the pro- her place “next to Angela Merkel in Some are calling it a “180 degree on the other hand, sees it as a one- current year. still expected this year. A number of cess. One of the candidates is EPP the history books,” says Guntram turn” and a “break with taboo.” In time financial move justified by the Behind the scenes in Brussels, poli- other issues are waiting to be solved, head Manfred Weber, who lost out Wolf, head of Bruegel, a Brussels- fact, the €750 billion package will be COVID-19 crisis and the potential cymakers are discussing how much including the rule-of-law conflict in to von der Leyen in the battle to lead based economic think tank. The financed, for the first time ever, by a disintegration of the EU. Von der of the Green Deal can be saved in the Poland and Hungary, the EU’s rela- the European Commission. Brussels-born von der Leyen – a joint borrowing scheme managed by Leyen herself attributed the abrupt face of massive layoffs in Europe’s tionship with Turkey and China, the self-proclaimed “European by the European Commission – some- shift to the fact that everyone had industries. Manfred Weber, head of admission of new member countries heart” – has reached the zenith of thing that had been a “no go” in the had “a glimpse into the abyss.” the conservative EPP faction in the from the Western Balkans and the Sylvia Schreiber has been her career. “If things go well, Merkel EU treaty until now. “Angela Merkel Yet another novelty is the consent European Parliament, has cast doubt EU’s policy towards Africa. Propos- an EU correspondent for Der Spiegel, Handelsblatt and and von der Leyen will go down is finally doing the thing that people being given to the European Com- on the CO2 reduction goals included als for a common EU asylum law are for German public television. as politicians who gave the EU a have been expecting Germany to do mission to procure its own funds in the climate package, stating that he now expected from the Commission 4 The German Times July 2020 Breakup therapy Brexit has roared back onto the political agenda: Can Merkel lead Europe and the United Kingdom to an amicable divorce?

to avoid an endless cycle of claims BY DEREK SCALLY and counterclaims. As the curtain rose on the Ger-

nyone who grows up with IMAGES/XINHUA IMAGO many’s EU Council presidency, conflict, as I did looking in Merkel warned that all EU mem- Aon 1980s Northern Ireland bers must prepare for the pos- from Dublin, learns not to trust sibility that talks with Britain on calm. their post-Brexit relationship The push for peace in Northern could fail. Ireland ahead of the 1998 Belfast “I will keep pushing for a good Agreement was marred, and almost solution, but the EU and Ger- derailed, by the ghosts of 3,500 dead many, too, must and should pre- over the previous 30 years – and pare for the case that an agree- fears over unpredictable hardliners. ment is not reached,” said Merkel So, too, on Brexit: the common in an address to the Bundestag. will for success in the transi- She is well aware that success – tion process is overshadowed by or failure – to agree on an orderly decades of traumatic EU-UK mis- departure from the EU will color understandings and the real pros- her legacy. But the consequences pect of failure stemming from the for the UK are even more grave, determined Brexiteers’ transfor- she warned in a newspaper inter- mation of British domestic politics. view, and the UK would “have to Their successful push for the UK live with the consequences” of a to back an EU departure in 2016 Deal breaker: On the heals of the stalled talks between London and Brussels in June, no-deal outcome. opened a whole collection of Pan- the EU and the UK ruled out an extension of the transition period beyond 2020. What for her was a logical dora’s Boxes, raising a series of statement of fact was seized on political and economic questions ever, Brexit roared back onto the Justice; this is seen as an affront prints, license plates and criminal person of an experienced crisis by hardline Brexiteers, citing her that, four years on, remain largely political agenda. Several sets of talks to their newly won independence. records. That, in turn, could end broker. words as apparent proof of Euro- unanswered. in recent weeks – high-level political But Brussels is anxious to avoid the EU access to UK intelligence German Chancellor Angela pean ill will towards the United Above all, the vote delivered a and technical negotiations – have UK undercutting EU standards and resources. Merkel is coming to the end of Kingdom. body blow to two decades of cau- yielded, as usual, underwhelming regulations. In anticipation of such stand- her political career after 15 crisis- As the fourth anniversary of tious peace in Northern Ireland and almost non-existent progress. The UK rejects the concept of offs in transition talks, the EU wracked years in power, snatching the Brexit vote came and went, which, like Scotland, voted to stay in With the transition period trickling far-reaching, binding “level play- insisted that arrangements for success from the jaws of defeat the Brexiteer narrative is already the EU, but had their wish trumped away and attention elsewhere, the ing field” commitments, though Northern Ireland would not be in banking, currency and refugee gearing up to frame any failure of by the weighted will of English and specter of a disorderly Brexit is fast its negotiators say they will agree a negotiating chip in trade talks. crises. talks – and a subsequent UK eco- Welsh leave voters. Maintaining approaching. to maintain current employment, They pushed for London to agree Fate has presented a final – and nomic meltdown – as a final act of peace post-Brexit hinges on secur- No trade deal and no extension environmental and consumer stan- to a special protocol to that effect perhaps the greatest – test of the revenge by the bloc it left after 47 ing economic certainty. of the transition period – as the UK dards. in its EU withdrawal package. “Merkel method.” Faced with a years. But not all UK voters are The anti-climax of the UK’s tech- insists – mean that the UK’s third- Instead, Prime Minister Boris The Northern Ireland protocol seemingly intractable problem, likely to swallow that narrative. In nical and legal departure from the country relationship with the EU Johnson’s government insists that aims to avoid the introduction of the trained physicist likes to break fact, on Brexit, a majority seems to EU on January 31 started another is downgraded to minimum WTO being free of the EU gives it a free a hard border on the island of Ire- it down into a series of smaller be suffering buyer’s remorse. clock ticking: an 11-month transi- trade arrangements. hand to subsidize indigenous indus- land, but not everyone in Dublin is challenges. With an eye for detail, The European Social Survey tion period during which, barring Hardline Brexiteers insist this will try if it wishes, and this must be confident London will honor its she solves the individual compo- (ESS), a pan-European poll carried another extension, the never-ending be an adequate foundation for a new, reflected in any agreement. In other commitment. nents and then attempts to reas- out every two years, suggested story of Brexit will reach its latest – “global Britain,” with an eye toward words, it is clinging to the ability The COVID-19 pandemic has semble them into one, hopefully that nearly 57 percent of UK and apparently final – climax. new opportunities in a re-ordered to decide policy for itself without not helped matters either. For resolved whole. voters would now vote to remain But the world has changed since post-pandemic global economy. being told off for doing so by Brus- weeks, talks that would otherwise She is not directly involved in in the EU, up seven points since the Brexit process began: global Pessimists predict a no-deal Brexit sels or the CJEU. have taken place in person were Brexit talks, which are led by the 2018, while the Leave camp has attention, and political capacity, will bring economic chaos, above all A key obstacle to a compromise shifted online, which severely European Commission. But if – as shrunk to 35 percent. Four years has been swallowed up by efforts to in the UK, with a particular blow is that London has yet to spell out limited the possibility of informal is likely – the talks come down in, both sides admit “serious diver- address the COVID-19 pandemic dealt to the closely integrated “all- its own state aid regime, leaving asides between rounds. to another late-night session in gences” remain in EU-UK divorce – and to battle its worst health and Ireland economy.” the EU unable to evaluate how a As veterans of the complex and, Brussels, the German chancel- talks, and senior officials will sacri- economic effects. There are four major building system of parallel state aid regimes charged 1998 Good Friday peace lor is the person you want in the fice their summer vacation to get a Tackling the pandemic fallout sites in Brexit talks at present: the would work. talks remember, using breaks to room. deal over the line. Things may still and securing a new seven-year EU so-called level playing field, fisher- A refusal by London to recognize take nuanced and unofficial sound- The UK favors a series of prag- seem calm on Brexit, but the calm budget are the two priorities for ies, police and judicial questions, the Luxembourg court’s jurisdic- ings in the corridors is as crucial matic agreements, in particular is not to be trusted. Germany as it assumes the rotat- and governance. tion and oversight could spill over as any meeting-room talks for on the many outstanding issues; ing presidency of the Council of the On governance, the UK remains into other areas of cooperation. It making possible the seemingly the EU wants Brexit regulated Derek Scally European Union. allergic to anything that would bind would call into question UK police impossible. by one, far-reaching treaty that is the Berlin correspondent Just as Berlin took over the EU itself in perpetuity to EU regula- and security service access to crime The Brexit talks have, in the anticipates future problems with for The Irish Times. reins for six months on July 1, how- tions and the European Court of and prosecution databases: finger- home stretch, gained in the resolution mechanisms, in order

Check-up” is designed to comple- BY ERIC BONSE Reconstruction first, then morality ment existing mechanisms and build bridges between East and West. All here do you stand on 27 EU countries will be asked to take the subject of democ- Hungary and Poland can expect leniency in their dispute the test – not just Poland, Hungary Wracy and the rule of with the EU over values and the rule of law and Romania, but Germany as well. law? This was a popular question However, until then, all 27 heads of during the run-up to the European state and government will be invited elections in May 2019, and none sively to strengthen fundamental cial refugee policy no longer enjoys Tusk was not able to prevail against of democracy and the erasure of the to join Merkel at the negotiating of the top candidates was able to values and particularly to promote a priority status. Back in 2015, when the directive from Berlin. The rule of law on the continent. This table to discuss the new EU budget avoid it. Politicians everywhere, common, cooperative and construc- Hungary and Poland dug in their former EU Council president from fact was on display in particularly and post-pandemic economic including in Germany, were call- tive approach to dealing with the heels and refused to accept asylum Poland had called for Fidesz to be vivid color in the cases brought reconstruction. Only after that – at ing on the EU to rein in Viktor issue of the rule of law,” read the seekers, Merkel continued to fight expelled, but without support from against Poland and Hungary, accus- least according to the finely chiseled Orbán and Jarosław Kaczyński. official statement. bravely for a “European solution.” the CDU, nothing can move forward ing them of breaching EU values and dramaturgy that is Germany’s cur- Even French President Emmanuel However, this handling is by no Five years later, Merkel is eager to in the EPP. the rule of law; both cases have been rent presidency of the EU Council Macron vigorously encouraged means a priority of the German pass the hot potato on to someone But it’s not just the conservatives completely ineffective at achieving – will the discussion turn to funda- German Chancellor Angela Merkel presidency of the EU Council. else, which means it’s now the Euro- who are having a hard time with anything close to the desired result. mental values, democracy and the to take up a position against the The announcement was but one pean Commission’s turn to have a Eastern Europe; the Social Demo- In theory, the so-called Article-7 rule of law. “anti-liberals” and “authoritarians” of many, and was even issued after go at the subject. crats are also struggling over which investigations could lead to the with- This begs the general question in Eastern Europe. similar statements focusing on agri- The chancellor has indeed burned path to take. For example, for some drawal of a country’s voting rights as to whether an attempt is being Today, one year later, Orbán culture and consumer protection. her fingers a few too many times in time, Social Democratic colleagues on the EU Council – a move referred made to garner support for the and Kaczyński haven’t budged an In addition, the Berlin government Eastern Europe, and she is unwill- in Brussels and Berlin resisted taking to as “the nuclear option.” It means controversial reconstruction plan inch, especially after Polish Presi- avoids pillorying any country in par- ing to risk a reemergence of the action against corruption in Roma- that the member state would lose in return for silence regarding the dent Andrzej Duda was narrowly ticular. In fact, the new idea is to issue during Germany’s half-year as nia, which has a Social Democratic the ability to participate in decision- violations of the rule of law in Hun- reelected on July 12. Duda is a close encourage not just Poland and Hun- EU Council president. But Merkel government. Only after weeks of making in the most important EU gary and Poland. Franziska Brant- political ally of Kaczyński. gary, but all 27 EU states to engage body. In practice, however, it is ner, European affairs spokesperson The battle over democracy in a “political rule-of-law dialogue highly unlikely that this could ever for the Greens in the Bundestag, and the rule of law, which former on an equal footing,” as the govern- Back in 2015, when Hungary happen, seeing as such far-reaching warns against such an approach: European Commission President ment draft put it. In other words, all decisions must receive unanimous “I fear that any financial sanctions Jean-Claude Juncker once fought members will be encouraged to put and Poland refused asylum consent, and Poland and Hungary against countries that breach the with notable verve, has clearly lost themselves to the test. clearly have each other’s back in the rule of law will ultimately turn out momentum under his successor, Even the linking of EU financial seekers, Merkel fought bravely matter. to be less severe than the Euro- Ursula von der Leyen. The CDU aid to the promotion of democracy For this reason, the Article-7 pro- pean Commission had originally politician let herself be nomi- and the rule of law – something for a European solution cedure has never moved beyond a planned.” nated with votes from Orbán and Berlin has been requesting for ages non-binding hearing. And even this One could also express the Kaczyński and has been handling – is suddenly no longer very impor- is not the only one doing her best squabbling was the Romanian PSD delicate diplomatic exercise proved dilemma in more drastic terms: the Eastern Europeans with kid tant. Germany is indeed still sup- to avoid trouble; the acting CDU suspended. That was more than to be counterproductive. The pro- first comes food, then comes gloves ever since. The German pres- porting the corresponding proposal chairwoman Annegret Kramp-Kar- a year ago, and things have gotten cedure looked like “an instrument morality. In the era of COVID-19, idency of the EU Council is unlikely issued by the European Commis- renbauer is also pursuing a policy of noticeably quiet with regard to used by the West to blackmail the this famous Bertolt Brecht dictum to change that. sion, but Merkel is clearly reluctant appeasement. In the dispute over Romania in the meantime. There East,” admitted State Minister for applies now more than ever. And On the agenda for the coming to campaign for the proposal on a Fidesz in Hungary, she spoke out is also little talk of Poland and Hun- Europe Michael Roth (SPD) after this means that Eastern European six months, Hungary and Poland grand scale. A quick passage of the against excluding the party from gary these days in Brussels. an unproductive meeting. Although states can count on leniency in the are not mentioned at all – in spite new EU budget has the utmost pri- the conservative European Peo- The EU has more important “this is by no means the case,” he coming months. of the ongoing investigations into ority, and no one wants to jeopar- ple’s Party (EPP). In other words, things to do in the COVID-19 era noted, it nevertheless showed very breaches of EU values and the rule dize this much-needed agreement Orbán’s supporters in European than to discipline its problem chil- clearly the limits of Article 7. of law by governments in Warsaw by digging into the pockets of Hun- Parliament are allowed to stay. dren in Eastern Europe. In fact, the Even the new instrument devised and Budapest. Germany’s govern- gary or Poland. This decision has weakened the EU has been forced to recognize by Roth and the Belgian EU Justice Eric Bonse is a political scientist and journalist. ment has expressed its commitment Even the theme of asylum law liberal and only moderately con- that it actually has very few weap- Commissioner Didier Reynders He works as an EU to defending the shared values of reform and fair burden-sharing servative Eastern Europeans in the ons – and blunt ones at that – to harbors no promise for resounding correspondent in Brussels. the EU: “We will […] work inten- among member states as part of offi- EPP. Even EPP President Donald combat nepotism, the dismantling success; the “Fundamental Values July 2020 The German Times 5

SHUTTERSTOCK

BY THEO SOMMER

A rocky road ahead Europe joins the voices now talking tough to Beijing

nology and military capabilities at Secretary of State Mike Pompeo a long list of topics, ranging from Spurning dialogue with China of rivalry must not be ignored.” BY THEO SOMMER Mach speed.” in formulations tantamount to a slow progress towards an invest- is not an option for the EU. It They will thus heed the somber From the beginning of his term, declaration of Cold War. This Janu- ment treaty, unfair rules for market will continue to explore avenues warning of Kevin Rudd, the former or almost a decade, Chi- Trump was eyeing an economic ary in London, Pompeo declared access, dumping prices and state of cooperation in fighting the Australian prime minister, current na’s relentless rise has showdown. In order to reduce the the Chinese Communist Party “the subsidies to China’s unambitious COVID-19 pandemic, securing a president of the Asia Society Policy Fbeen feeding fears that, US trade deficit ($419.2 billion in central threat of our times;” in The climate change targets, its delaying speedy economic recovery and Institute and one of the world’s under the leadership of Xi Jin- 2018, $345.6 billion in 2019), he Hague in June, he asserted that tactics concerning WTO reform mitigating climate change, but its leading China experts: “Global ping, Beijing was steadily tip- imposed punitive tariffs on Chi- “China wants to be the dominant and its continuous cyberattacks on stance will no doubt get tougher. geopolitical risk is now back with toeing to world domination. na’s import goods. “Trade wars economic and military power in the European computing systems. Von The Europeans will defend their a vengeance. We should all fasten The most remarkable economic are good and easy to win,” was world, spreading its authoritarian der Leyen also pointed the finger at own values, assure their inter- our seatbelts for a rocky road transformation in the history his conviction. He took in stride vision for society and its corrupt Beijing’s disinformation campaign ests and try to preempt Beijing ahead.” of mankind went hand in hand China’s geopolitical comport- practices worldwide.” over the course of the pandemic from imposing its rules, norms with China’s burgeoning ambi- ment, its human rights deficien- As tensions between the United and warned of “very negative con- and standards on the rest of the Theo Sommer tion to regain the position it lost cies and its military expansion in States and China have grown, sequences” should the regime go world. They don’t want another is Executive Editor of in the early nineteenth century the South China Sea, as long as its Europe’s approach to China has ahead with the national security Cold War. Yet Henry Kissinger The German Times. as the center of the world, with trade surplus was on the decline. also taken a hardline turn. The law for Hong Kong. rightly reminds them: “The reality the Middle Kingdom ruling “all In this vein, after almost two years Europeans are not seeking con- under heaven.” of trade warfare, Washington and frontation with Beijing, but they China has emerged as a formi- Beijing concluded a Phase One also want a level playing field, reci- dable challenge to the West. Many Deal about their commercial rela- procity of market access and equal observers have long since started tions on Jan. 15, 2020. investment opportunities. And at worrying about the prospect that That deal is now on the brink this point they are sick and tired the country’s blatant authoritari- of collapse. The ink had hardly of Chinese procrastination. They anism seemed destined to wipe dried when Trump blamed the hear Xi Jinping’s endlessly repeated out the liberal international order Chinese for “sending the Plague promises, but now they want to see and deliver the deathblow to to us” in one of his countless infa- his deeds. While they will continue democracy as the world’s guid- mous tweets. “We went through to press for the rectification of Chi- ing paradigm. By relentlessly the worst attack we’ve ever had na’s more questionable industrial propagandizing its mastery of the on our country,” he told reporters. and regulatory policies, they have COVID-19 crisis and by taking “This is worse than Pearl Harbor, also been taking an increasingly aggressive action in its lee, Beijing this is worse than the World Trade critical view of Xi Jinping’s exercise squandered much of the respect Center. There’s never been an of hard power domestically as well the regime had earned for its reso- attack like this. And it should have as internationally. luteness – that is, after its initial never happened. Could’ve been In a paper published in March attempt to obfuscate the outbreak. stopped at the source. Could’ve 2019, the European Commission Throwing its weight around “loud been stopped in China. And it and the High Representative for and proud” as the world became wasn’t.” He insinuated that the Foreign Affairs were still describ- ever more distracted by the virus Chinese knowingly let the virus ing China in a very differentiated was widely seen as provocative loose on the world out of a Wuhan way. They called it a cooperation behavior. lab. For this reason he not only partner with whom the EU closely Thus, not only has China’s threatened a total rupture of aligned its objectives; a negotia- growth streak been interrupted their trade relations – “economic tion partner with whom the EU by the pandemic, the much more decoupling is still on the table” – has to find a balance of interests; important fact is that its reputa- but also hinted at the intention to an economic competitor in pursuit deutschland.de tion, reliability and trustworthi- stop servicing the $1.2 trillion of of technological leadership; and, YOUR GUIDE TO GERMANY ness have been tarnished by the US debt to China. finally, a “systemic rival" promoting brazenness of its “Wolf Warrior” A Phase Two Deal settling the alternative models of governance. diplomats, its bullying of trade fundamental issues seems no The authors recommended that partners such as Australia and the longer in the offing. The US presi- “the EU should robustly seek more denigration of countries that criti- dent has decided to scapegoat balanced and reciprocal conditions cize its policies, such as Sweden. China for the devastating effects governing the economic relation- Everywhere, views have been of the deadly pandemic on his ship.” hardening about China’s rejec- country: the worst economic crisis The call for a more robust EU tion of economic reciprocity, its since 1929, with an unemployment strategy vis-à-vis China in the continued insistence on coercive rate greater than 11 percent, over political bailiwick as well has since technology transfer, its industrial 3.8 million infections and more become a dominant theme both acquisition designs, its overt and than 142,000 people killed. Hos- of the new Commission President covert influencing campaigns, and tility to China has become the Ursula von der Leyen, her For- its military actions and ambitions central message in his campaign eign Affairs Representative Josep Looking for first-hand information about German politics, in the Indo-Pacific region. Violent for reelection. While this may be Borrell and German Chancel- culture, business or society? skirmishes with India in the Hima- ascribed to his political calcula- lor Angela Merkel, who assumed layas, military maneuvers in the tions (and his volatile temper), the EU Council’s presidency on South China Sea and near Taiwan there is more to it than just that. July 1 for the next six months. For and the crackdown on Hong Kong It’s been official policy for over September, Merkel had originally Find what you need on deutschland.de – thoroughly have heightened Western unease. two years now. scheduled an EU-China summit researched and in ten languages. All over the globe, governments The National Security Strat- in Leipzig to resolve a number of are rethinking their China policies egy, published in December 2017, stalled policy issues, but the pan- with greater or lesser degrees of named China a “revisionist power” demic has put paid to her plan. In We are your guide to Germany: anxiety and concern. that wanted to shape a world anti- its place, a six-hour video confer- The relationship between China thetical to US values and inter- ence held on June 22 between the www.deutschland.de/en/newsletter and the United States is a special ests: “China seeks to displace the EU top leaders and, in successive case. It was very much a roller United States in the Indo-Pacific calls, with Premier Li Keqiang and coaster before Donald Trump region, expand the reaches of its President Xi Jinping revealed that moved into the Oval Office, but state-driven economic model, and the two parties were far apart. They it has become a central point of reorder the region in its favor as its could not even agree on a joint final contention ever since he took preeminent power.” communiqué. over. “China is not our friend,” he The view that the People’s The EU leaders made no bones wrote back in 2011. “China is steal- Republic is a strategic adversary about the lack of “trust, transpar- ing our jobs, sending a wrecking has since been vented by Vice ency and reciprocity” in their rela- ball through our manufacturing President Mike Pence and, more tions with China. Therefore, they industry and ripping off our tech- recently and more stridently, by talked tough to Beijing regarding AA-DeutschlandDE-GermanTimesJuli2020.indd 1 15.07.2020 10:41:07 6 The German Times July 2020

Trumpelstiltskin The dreadful prospect of four more years of US ineptitude

IMAGO IMAGES/ZUMA WIRE

Many of his followers support the first US president to call for a open arms, with hopes of cozying BY JULIANE SCHÄUBLE his claim that America has shoul- more equitable sharing of burdens up to America’s alienated allies. dered other countries’ concerns among Western allies, he does so Time and again, this US gov- onald Trump wants one too much and for too long while with uncommon brutality while ernment, with Secretary of State thing above all others: neglecting its own problems. publicly threatening to further Mike Pompeo leading the way, Dunconditional victory. Trump’s promise to change this retreat from international institu- has waged a “maximum pressure” Everything he does revolves dynamic – to bring US soldiers tions and responsibilities if Amer- campaign to steer stubborn coun- around the consideration of home and force other countries ica’s partners to do not behave as tries onto what it sees as the right whether the move will benefit to contribute more to the burdens he expects them to. The idea of track. What this policy has thus far him personally. of the West, and thus to “make compromise is abhorrent to him – achieved is negligible. In terms of He pulled off a surprising win America great again” – was critical if he doesn’t get what he wants, he the Iran nuclear deal, for example, in 2016. As the 45th US president, to his electoral victory in 2016. storms off the playing field. the Europeans argue that Amer- he has since busied himself with What will he offer voters, In matters of arms control, his ica’s unilateral 2018 withdrawal smashing the legacy of his prede- beyond himself for four more decisions are particularly incen- from the treaty, as imperfect as it cessor, Barack Obama, and setting years, in the run-up to November? diary. On May 22, the US termi- was, has made Tehran’s nuclear the course for his reelection on That will be interesting, particu- nated the Treaty on Open Skies. activities more difficult to control. Nov. 3, 2020. larly for undecided voters – as well Shortly thereafter, US media out- A favorite argument of Trump The fact that his prospects for as for the rest of the world. lets reported that the government and his administration over the success are not as he had envi- Will he, for example, continue in Washington was contemplat- past three years has been that sioned them – in large part due to denounce existing trade agree- ing the resumption of nuclear test- previous approaches to problems to the COVID-19 pandemic – has ments with promises of making ing. Numerous experts assumed have not borne fruit, so why not fostered rumors in the US that better “deals” for Americans? He that the US would also decline try something completely differ- Trump may bow out of the race hasn’t made much progress in this to extend the New START treaty ent – be it in matters of trade, the before November, especially if regard over the first three and a with Russia, which limits the Middle East, Syria, Afghanistan his poll ratings continue to plum- half years of his presidency. Nego- nuclear weapons potential of the or relations with North Korea. met. While this eventuality seems tiations with the Europeans are on two countries and is due to expire Trump relishes his role as “dis- improbable, the scenario says a ice, and the little progress Trump in February 2021. While it may rupter in chief,” as the one who lot about its central player; like an had achieved in talks with China be true that countries like China swoops in from outside to practice angry child, Trump, so goes the has been negated by his aggressive are not bound by such treaties, it politics in a way that no one before thinking, could simply break the rhetoric concerning the pandemic. is irrational even to refrain from him ever has. game to bits if he feels he’s going His administration’s major for- improving or expanding existing In an astounding display of to lose. eign policy initiatives – carried treaties, to say nothing of termi- hubris, he has ignored and contin- But what would Trump want out with little or no regard to the nating them, and thus relinquish- ues to ignore advice from experts, to accomplish in a second term? international community – also ing all access to information on an turning instead to loyalists. Since A cursory analysis yields the fol- appear unsatisfactory. The Middle Where the US creates voids adversary’s nuclear arsenal. taking office, the US government lowing answer: not a whole lot. East “peace plan,” touted as “the This action resembles the has seen an exodus of experienced Indeed, a late-June interview the deal of the century,” is hardly ever through its abdication and administration’s announce- diplomats, security profession- president granted to Sean Hannity mentioned, except that Israeli ment that the US would cease als and now economic experts on Fox News reveals as much. His Prime Minister Benjamin Netan- disinterest, they are quickly its involvement with the World – the likes of which the country rambling, entirely substance-free yahu now wants to officially annex Health Organization (WHO) – in has never suffered. During the answer to the question of his pri- large swaths of Palestinian terri- filled by other great powers the middle of a global pandemic COVID-19 crisis, the economy- orities for a potential second term tory, which is almost certain to unrivaled by anything a pathogen obsessed president is increasingly cited only the importance of the lead to the declaration of another such as Russia and China has caused since 1918. While the covering his ears when his highly word “experience” and that before intifada. WHO has been far from perfect regarded science experts, above taking office he had been to Wash- Trump’s approach to North in its handling of the current crisis, all the renowned immunologist ington, D.C., a mere 17 times. But Korea paints a similar picture. who would argue that the virus and infectious diseases specialist now he knows everyone and has Nothing productive has resulted wreaking havoc across the world Anthony Fauci, deliver bad news. “great people in the administra- from the administration’s 2018 is best contained through the uni- Yet whenever the second-in- tion,” so he wouldn’t make any gambit of the first-ever summit lateral, uncoordinated approach of command, Mike Pence, praises his more mistakes like hiring “an idiot between the leaders of North dozens of various countries? president’s “phenomenal results,” like John Bolton,” who wanted Korea and the US. In fact, Pyong- Yet Trump is apparently working Trump lends his unwavering only to “drop bombs on every- yang has now resumed testing from the assumption that the eco- attention. It’s not only his country body.” nuclear missiles and is threatening nomic and military superpower he that must grapple with the results Most others, especially politi- to march soldiers into the neutral presides over will succeed by dint of this ignorance; that task falls to cians, possess more power of zone along its border with South of extreme egoism alone, that alli- the entire world. imagination when it comes to the Korea. ances, compromises and mutual It would appear that Trump future. In an interview in mid- As Trump is not known for trust-building measures only limit simply does not to want to under- June, Bolton, Trump’s newest having patience or staying power and thus weaken his country, and stand that the problems, as a gen- former national security advisor, in difficult matters, he now only that America’s security can best be eral rule, are more complex and declared that the world should rarely speaks of this problem. He guaranteed by going it alone. cannot be solved with the wave of expect the worst in the event that has long since moved on. What may sound strategic is per- a hand, that geopolitics requires Trump wins a second term – in “America First” was and is his haps nothing more than grandiose strategy, not ideology, that wars particular that the US actually doctrine – this is almost certain self-delusion. Where the US cre- (Afghanistan, Syria) do not simply pulls out of NATO and that Trump not to change. All foreign policy ates voids through its abdication end when troops are withdrawn throws into question alliances decisions are a product of this and disinterest, they are quickly and his eyes stray elsewhere. with “far away” partners such as approach, at least in theory, yet filled by other great powers such Trump has shown nothing but dis- Japan, South Korea and Australia. the results of his foreign policy as Russia and China. When the dain for a rules-based international Many experts share the assess- are seldom to the benefit of the US executes a hasty retreat, it order that allows as many human ment that the US under Trump US. In fact, the opposite is more succeeds in creating blind spots beings as possible to prosper and II would further retreat from often true. vis-à-vis newly emerging dangers. makes the world a more peaceful the responsibilities on the global American farmers are suffer- And when it disregards or even and fairer place. political stage that it had once ing under Trump’s trade disputes undermines the tool of diplomacy embraced and dominated. The with China and the Europeans, by disparaging it as an instrument recent news that the president is and it’s certainly fair to doubt of the weak, it does so to the detri- Juliane Schäuble is the seeking to withdraw 9,500 troops whether America’s interests are ment of even its closest partners, US correspondent for the Berlin daily newspaper Der from Germany is in line with this better served by withdrawing from and ultimately itself. Countries like Tagesspiegel. prospect. the world. Although Trump is not Russia and China are waiting with July 2020 The German Times 7

est degree of election fraud in the election will no doubt serve to BY GEMMA PÖRZGEN history of the Russian Federation. further damage her reputation. In an interview with the online This latest referendum does he COVID-19 crisis is news outlet Meduza, he claimed not bode well for future ballot- affecting all areas of to have counted a total of more IMAGES/ITAR-TASS IMAGO ing. Some observers have already Tour lives and, much like than 22 million suspicious votes. described the vote as a test run a concave mirror, exposing a And, in fact, polling stations had for the Duma elections in 2021. number of unresolved problems been set up in companies and The old constitution would and unacknowledged grievances factories, where colleagues and have brought Putin’s presidency in astonishing ways. This is pre- superiors monitored the voting. to an end three years later, in cisely what happened in the case The election commission had 2024. Now, however, the new law of Russia’s recent nationwide vote announced the results of the vote enables him to hold the presi- on 200 constitutional amend- even before polling stations in dency for two further terms. This ments, which took place over sev- some regions had closed. Pan- means that Putin could remain eral days and ended on July 1. demic-related social distancing president until 2036 – at which When the election commission requirements were given as the point he would be 84 years old. announced that 78 percent of eli- reason why the voting was held While many in Russia con- gible voters had voted in favor of outside in certain areas – in some tinue to see Putin as a guaran- the constitutional reforms, leaders cases, with ballot boxes being tor of a certain level of stability, in the Kremlin hailed the results as placed on camping tables, park the number of people who are a “triumph” for President Vladimir benches and even in the trunk becoming increasingly critical of Putin. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry of a car. The Russian internet his never-ending presidency has Peskov also praised the vote, argu- was full of mobile-phone videos grown in recent years. Surveys ing that the high level of approval showing scenes that caused many conducted by Moscow’s presti- for the new constitution was evi- viewers to shake their heads in gious Levada Center have been dence of the people’s great belief disbelief. showing declining approval rat- and confidence in Putin. The head of the central elec- ings for some time. Especially In fact, however, the Russian tion commission, Ella Pamfilova, among young and well-educated Duma had already waved through denied that any voting took place people in large cities, there is the so-called constitutional on park benches or in the trunks an increasing sense of a lack reforms long before the people of cars. Other officials at the elec- of prospects in the face of this were even asked to vote on it. tion commission did not see a forever Putin. Yet the influ- The slogan “Our constitution, problem with this kind of open- ence of the opposition in Russia our future, our decision,” which air voting, pointing to regulations has thus far remained limited, formed part of the advertising in place due to the COVID-19 chiefly due to infighting among campaign promoting the refer- pandemic and claiming that all the different camps. endum, was never anything more criticism was merely an attempt At the moment, there is little than an empty promise. to discredit the entire referen- evidence that enough people The Russian election monitor- dum. desire change, especially as the ing organization Golos reported When Pamfilova was appointed challenges of everyday life have several election violations. From head of the election commission grown for many during the pan- the very beginning, they argued, four years ago, she was supposed demic. Given the job loss and there had been no legal framework to represent a fresh start for the increasing economic crisis, for the referendum, and there were the office and work to improve the average Russian has more also many cases of multiple ballots its battered image. The former pressing problems than big poli- being cast as well as violations of Duma MP and human rights tics. Perhaps this is why hardly electoral secrecy. The FDP foreign commissioner had long been more than 300 people attended affairs expert Michael Georg Link, considered a credible advocate the July 1 protest at the Pushkin deputy chairman of the German- for reform in Russia, even among Memorial in Moscow, and even Russian parliamentary group in circles critical of the Kremlin. She fewer showed up in St. Peters- the Bundestag, pointed out that had also been highly regarded Confidence man burg. international election observers in the context of the German- from the OSCE and the Council of Russian relationship and a wel- Europe had not even been invited come guest at forums such as the The latest constitutional referendum in Russia has laid to monitor the vote. Petersburg Dialogue. The fact Gemma Pörzgen is a Berlin- bare the Kremlin’s true intentions and priorities based journalist specializing The Russian election researcher that she is now whitewashing the in Eastern Europe. Sergey Shpilkin spoke of the larg- results of this highly questionable

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QW_AZ_GermanTimes_2019_290x254-D-RZ.indd 1 01.02.19 11:34 8 The German Times July 2020 July 2020 The German Times 9 SHUTTERSTOCK DISCRIMINATING MINDS three perspectives on racism

Ism v. ism Racism is a two-way street Redefining “us”

for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight against prevent what soon escalated into a fruitless seen as immigration countries and have thus country. From that point on, the Federal But what were the implications of these under the domain of the Spanish crown. BY AGNES MONKA Anti-Semitism. Not only did he charge Mbembe exchange of blows in the papers, for example BY NAÏLA CHIKHI neglected their integration policies. Left to Republic – after a 50-year delay – no longer BY MARK TERKESSIDIS revelations? It became clear that it wasn’t a They were not even considered full subjects; with relativizing the Holocaust, he also accused between an upset Alan Posener, who called their own devices, Gastarbeiter, or guest focused entirely on the economic integra- question of individual members of the police they were merely individuals who now had or weeks now, a veritable mudsling- him of calling into question Israel’s right to exist, for the end of public funding for events that was still a child when I eye-witnessed workers, build lives for themselves between tion of migrants, but on their linguistic and fter watching thousands of young force having extremist positions or engag- to be educated in the “correct” religion and ing has taken place among intellectu- albeit without providing any further evidence promoted the hatred of Israel, and a stunned racist behavior for the first time. It was factories and the Banlieue (suburbs) and cultural integration as well. In coordination Germans take to the streets in soli- ing in misconduct; it was the routines and forced to engage in a “right-minded” form of Fals, journalists and historians in the of his claim. Klein, too, called for Mbembe to Stephan Detjen, who denounced the state’s I in Algeria, the country of my birth. A import the norms and values of their home with other instruments, this should help dis- Adarity with US protestors demon- practices of the police force itself that were labor. If they chose not to accept their new feuilleton section of German newspapers. The be disinvited to the festival. NRW’s minister of interference in fundamental human rights. “white” schoolmate of mine was harassing counties. The result is the propagation of mantle the institutional disadvantages faced strating against the violent death of George having a discriminatory effect. status, they would be designated as “barbar- controversy covers all the themes it takes to culture then convened a special meeting of the What got lost along the way was the fact that another schoolmate because of the darker communities not all that different from ghet- by migrants. Floyd, it looked as if some people in Ger- A similar investigation into race-related ians” and face terrible consequences. get Germans hot under the collar: freedom Ruhrtriennale supervisory board at which Carp the Ruhrtriennale had long since been cancelled color of his skin. I was also confronted with tos. The economic and linguistic integration many were coming to understand – for police failures was carried out in 1993 after Even back then, this kind of violence did of speech, the Holocaust, anti-Semitism and was made to answer for her decision to issue the due to the COVID-19 pandemic. anti-Semitism in my childhood. I myself Within many of these communities, the lack of migrants is indispensable. But in order the first time – that racism might also be the murder of Stephen Lawrence, a black not go unchallenged, and there were fierce Israel, along with apartheid, racism and colo- invitation. Mbembe, the renowned philosopher Why has this debate raged on so long and experienced discrimination several years of integration assistance reinforces a general to become responsible citizens within main- a problem “over here.” For decades, racial teenager, in the United Kingdom. Six years discussions on the legality of slavery in the nialism. How did it come to this? and colonialism expert, was now officially being with such vehemence? Because debates over later during my first semester at university dismissal of the culture of their host country. stream society, they must come to terms discrimination was seen as something that later, in 1999, a commission headed by 16th century. Unfortunately, when slavery The key figure in the debate is the Cameroon- branded an anti-Semite thanks to the involve- the Holocaust automatically touch the core of in Paris, when a lecturer of mine suggested To fill the void, the well-trodden reactionary, with the state’s liberal democratic system of plagued the United States, not Germany. former High Court judge William MacPher- was widely abolished in the 19th century, born political scientist, historian and philoso- ment of Klein. what it means to be German. Indeed, the Federal that I should have become a cleaning woman patriarchal – read: religious – structures so norms and find their bearings in relation to Post-war West German society thought son concluded its examination of the han- colonialism simply replaced it as the “better” pher Achille Mbembe. He was invited to be the Soon thereafter, the subject became an even Republic defines itself as a post-Holocaust soci- instead of studying for a degree. widespread in many of their home countries the enlightenment and the advantages of a its significant efforts to actively address dling of the murder with a clear verdict: and supposedly more humane alternative. keynote speaker at the 2020 Ruhrtriennale, a hotter media topic, although the focus was no ety, or in the words of former Federal President And, of course, I’ve encountered racism in take hold. The goal here has not been to foster humanist secular democracy. its Nazi past rendered itself immune to The problem plaguing the British police Subsequently, during the process of decolo- leading arts festival in the German state of North longer on the comparison of apartheid and the Joachim Gauck: “There is no German identity Germany. Racism is everywhere, all over the integration, but rather to establish a parallel The participation of political-religious racism. In a similar vein, many communist force was one of “institutional racism.” This nization, migration to rich Western coun- Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), where he was to give Holocaust – a comparison that, incidentally, his- without Auschwitz.” world. It can be directed by mainstream soci- society defined by the norms of the cultures groups in the integration activities of the state East Germans saw the concept of anti-rac- public inquiry was a milestone, as it showed tries began, thereby ushering in a new round a lecture on his longstanding research into colo- torians of the Holocaust have not considered Still, even if everyone feels personally ety against “foreigners” in general, against from which the newcomers came, cultures and in efforts to eliminate discrimination will ism as a constitutive raison d’état. Even after that the issue was not racist behavior in of exclusion by inclusion. To this day, indi- nial history. problematic for decades. addressed by the debate, does that automati- minorities in general as well as against specific that are often diametrically opposed to the be counterproductive. They are in fact the reunification, a majority of Germans were the form of individual misconduct or iso- viduals in Germany who were recruited to On March 23, however, Lorenz Deutsch, cul- In the feuilleton section of Germany’s major cally mean we should all chime in? No. The minorities. The spectrum ranges from brutal democratic societies of Germany and France. very people who constructed barriers of com- at most willing to admit to the existence of lated exceptions to the rule; the commission work in factories in the 20th century are tural policy spokesperson for the Free Demo- papers, one side argued that Mbembe was thing that makes this debate interesting is not murders and targeted killings to what we call In recent years, self-proclaimed representa- munitarianism and multiculturalism. Integra- “xenophobia,” but not to racism as such. found that racism was deeply engrained referred to as Gastarbeiter, or guest workers. crats (FDP) state parliamentary group in NRW, indeed speaking from a “different setting.” In the many open letters – all inevitably written in everyday racism. tives have placed these communities under tion will never succeed if the anonymity of Mainstream opinion in Germany saw in the institutional structure of the police The problem is always seen as being “the wrote an open letter to the artistic director of this sense, a comparison could not be seen as superlatives – nor the many calls for the great- For example, more than a few Germans their guardianship. Over time, their identitar- community is thrust upon migrants. racism as a concept expressed by right-wing force. others.” People often consider “them” to the Ruhrtriennale, Stefanie Carp, urging her to a relativization and was certainly not cause to est number of heads to roll on all sides. The “without a migration background” find it ian and communitarian policies have created a The French philosopher and author Henri extremists, if at all. It was not considered an Most representative surveys undertaken be lazy, aggressive, loud, not yet mature and disinvite Mbembe. He pointed to clear agree- restrict Mbembe’s freedom of speech in this way. most interesting aspect is that it has taken one impressive when binational children speak spatial, social and spiritual schism. As a result, Peña-Ruiz recently wrote: “To effectively fight appropriate term to describe the negative since the 1990s indicate that a majority unwilling or even unable to integrate. In ments that had been made two years prior with The other side, however, continued to find evi- single incident to prompt the realization that Spanish or English in addition to German, society has been divided between the “we” racism, there are two invaluable maxims. The daily experiences suffered by individuals of Germans have “prejudices.” The issue 2018, in the aftermath of anti-immigration regard to invitations extended to BDS activists; dence of Mbembe’s problematic view of Israel. Germans – in all of the additional contexts that only to get up in arms when Turkish or Leba- and the “they.” first is to remain vigilant as to the singularity of non-German backgrounds. Reports of here, too, is not one of individual error; riots in the town of Chemnitz, Germany’s BDS stands for boycott, disinvestment and sanc- For example, in the foreword to a collection of have opened up in the wake of the debate – are nese children switch to their native language The divisive identitarian approach is not of the human species. The second is to reject these kinds forms of discrimination – which it is something that can be referred to as minister of the interior stated matter-of- tions and is an international movement aimed at essays titled Apartheid Israel: The Politics of an very far from a social consensus without actually in lieu of German. And xenophobia is still on unique to these self-proclaimed representa- any abstract stratification of human groups, included such things as ongoing inequity “racist knowledge,” that is, a form of societal factly that migration was “the mother of all influencing Israeli policy relating to the occupied Analogy, he writes: “And since all they [Israel] knowing it. display at state institutions. When I taught tives. It is also found in right-wing extremist independent of whether this may derive from when applying for a job, difficulties trying knowledge generally widespread and often problems.” territories. Deutsch noted that Carp had invited are willing to offer is a fight to the finish, since And this is likely the reason why any ultimate German as a foreign or second language, groups that work with rigidly authoritarian assertions related to nature or culture. An to rent an apartment and “ethnic profiling” reinforced across politics and the media. Today, we in the West generally live in Young Fathers – a hip-hop band known for its what they are willing to do is to go all the way – resolution of the matter is still far away. Indeed, students of mine would often report being community structures and racist bogeymen. individual should never be drowned in a feel- during police checks – were often met with Whether consciously or unconsciously, this societies where racist divisions between “us” support of the BDS campaign – to attend the carnage, destruction, incremental extermination everyone seems to have their own interpretation treated in a derogatory and aggressive manner And by force: arson, violent attacks, intimida- ing of affiliation, nor should an ethnicity be a shrug of the shoulders. racist knowledge legitimizes the differences and “them” are no longer rooted in direct festival in 2018; after coming under pressure – the time has come for global isolation.” of why the Mbembe case constitutes a scandal, by public officials as well as suffering racial tion and death threats are just some of their judged through a global lens.” In today’s Germany, however, the focus and inequalities between “us” and “them” – violence. Yet our markets, legal systems, from the federal government and other artists, This was followed by further open letters and whether it’s a relativization of the Holocaust, profiling during police checks. unlawful tactics. Their resentment and hate This underscores that a relativistic approach of attention is on the role played by the even though democratic principles forbid cultural achievements and knowledge are however, she subsequently disinvited the band. expressions of solidarity from Jewish research- an attack on Israel, support for BDS, the disin- But there’s also racism by minorities against are directed at “Mediterranean” migrants and to culture has the further disadvantage of police, much like in the US after the death discrimination of this kind. Article 3 of Ger- still shaped to a certain degree by racism. What does all of this have to do with Achille ers who called on Felix Klein to step down. On vitation and defamation of an African colonial mainstream society as well as against other Jewish compatriots. discouraging migrants from questioning and of George Floyd. And it’s not the first time. many’s Basic Law states that “No person One encouraging aspect of the West is that Mbembe? According to Deutsch, Mbembe had May 8, Mbembe took to Facebook to argue that researcher or an infringement on the freedom of minorities. It’s not uncommon that marriages If diversity leads to division and racist vio- debating their community’s norms that may Most recently, there has been an ongoing shall be favored or disfavored because of it also created a tool with which to combat signed a call for an academic boycott of Israel. Lorenz Deutsch had not wanted to see a “negro” speech and art. These are all sensitive issues that or even friendships are forbidden not only lence, it is all the more important to approach violate certain human rights. This results in scandal surrounding the shoddy police sex, parentage, race, language, homeland and its own racist past and present, namely He also argued that parts of Mbembe’s essay at the Ruhrtriennale and had therefore made encourage those involved to immediately take between migrants and Germans, but also racism proactively, objectively and assertively the deprivation of a migrant’s opportunity to investigation into a series of murders car- origin, faith or religious or political opin- democracy. In heterogeneous democratic “The Society of Enmity” were so problematic him into an “anti-Semitic negro,” so as to be able up irreconcilable stances, to declare every objec- between Turks and Kurds, or Moroccans and as a universal phenomenon. develop into a responsible citizen, which in ried out by the extreme right-wing terror ions.” In reality, however, German society is societies, different memories must be taken that he was simply not tenable as a keynote to disinvite him. tion unforgivable and to brand every opponent African-Germans, or Sunni and Shi’ite Mus- After the brutal murder of George Floyd, the itself is a form of racism. cell known as the National Socialist Under- characterized by a job-market “underclass,” into account, different starting points must speaker. In mid-May, the next open letter appeared, this an incorrigible racist, an anti-Semite or a self- lims, or Muslims and atheists. racism debate reignited across the globe. This Freedom and participation must be learned. ground or NSU. For years, the police steered by discrimination in the realms of education be considered and discrimination must Deutsch quoted a passage in which Mbembe time signed by 700 African intellectuals, writers proclaimed “guardian of public morals.” This humiliating and contemptible treat- is a good thing. However, as a woman with The 100 training sessions comprising the its detective work in the wrong direction, and health and by the unequal treatment of be prevented. Democracy is not a zero-sum writes that the Israeli occupation is a “fanatical and artists – at least that was the claim. Upon Yet another thing that has gone unnoticed ment of “the other” is finding ever-stronger a migration background, I find the current BAMF integration courses cannot suffice to thereby rendering the actual victims of the and significantly higher risks of poverty for game, and the actions we are seeing today – policy of destruction aimed at transforming the closer inspection of the list of names, the Frank- is the fact that the Munich’s Center for Holo- purchase in schoolyards. Mobbing at schools discussion surrounding “white privilege” both convey these skills, but at least they’re a start. terror – eight people of Turkish descent individuals with foreign backgrounds. the anti-racism protests, the toppling of racist life of Palestinians into a heap of ruins or a pile of furter Allgemeine Zeitung determined that many caust Studies and the Hugo Valentin Centre based on religious affiliation, ideology, sex, ethnocentric and misleading. “Being white” The path to self-determination is a lifelong and one of Greek origin – as perpetrators. The Martinique-born psychiatrist and monuments and the debates surrounding the garbage destined for cleansing.” Mbembe writes of the signatories were neither intellectuals nor in Uppsala, Sweden, are organizing a confer- origin or skin color is nothing less than a once again dominates the discourse as human learning process in which individuals recog- The police seemed to think at the time that political philosopher Frantz Fanon once renaming of buildings – can only help deepen further in the same essay: “In South Africa, the Africans. The letter lost even more clout by ence set to take place in Munich in November portent of anti-Semitism, sexism and racism. rights violations are displaced from center nize that they have rights but also obligations any murder taking place in the context wrote that a society was either racist or democratic rights and give a fresh new mean- mounds of ruins never did reach such a scale,” beginning with the fully unsubstantiated claim 2020. This gathering intends to bring together While mobbing was initially more noticeable stage. This is the approach of several no- – and that these responsibilities should not of Germany’s “foreign communities” was not; racism, he argued, was not accidental. ing to the term “us.” and “the apartheid system in South Africa and that the people calling for Mbembe to be disin- researchers in the fields of colonialism, genocide among children from majority segments of doubt well-intentioned anti-racist activists. be considered discriminatory in themselves. most likely linked to drug trafficking, debt- Indeed, racism has played a significant role the destruction of Jews in Europe – the latter, vited were representatives of an extreme right- and the Holocaust to engage in the very things society, it has now become more common But their proponents should be aware that Individuals also learn that a modern, pluralis- collection violence or some other form of in the history of modernity. The initial con- though, in an extreme fashion and within a quite wing lobby in Germany. Writing in the Süd- that were rendered impossible in the debate among children with migration backgrounds. they are once again reducing individuals to the tic society is built upon democratic and equi- organized crime. tact made by Europeans overseas laid the different setting – constituted two emblematic deutsche Zeitung, Mbembe argued that although over Mbembe, namely an unimpeded discourse As children often emulate their parents color of their skin. table consensus. Only a society comprising When it was revealed that a far-right very foundation for an anti-dialogical prin- manifestations of this fantasy of separation.” he respected German taboos, they were not the in the spirit of goodwill and a series of mutual and others in their surroundings, it begs the The idea here is to target the unjust system, strongly emancipated individuals can demol- extremist group was responsible for the ciple: When Columbus first set foot on land Mark Terkessidis is an author and According to Deutsch, by drawing this com- taboos of all other people in the world. He asked encounters based on the desire to learn from question: Have some migrants become xeno- not the people it represents. The goal should ish the walls that partition it. terror, subsequent investigative reports in the Caribbean, he did not seek dialogue researcher focusing on race and parison, Mbembe is relativizing the Holocaust for an apology from Klein, who then refused to and with each other. phobes themselves? Or are all people more or be to combat the causes and instruments that came to the sobering conclusion that the with local inhabitants – he chose instead to migration. Based in Cologne and Berlin, his most recent work is while also placing today’s Jews in a position give him one. less racists? prevent the equitable and respectful coexis- police force itself was plagued by routine read out a statement in Spanish declaring Wessen Erinnerung zählt? Koloniale similar to that of the Nazis. He therefore urged Coming to the defense of both sides were a When migrants leave their countries of tence of fellow humans. Naïla Chikhi, born in 1980 in Algiers, misperceptions and subsequent action that ownership of the land. Vergangenheit und Rassismus heute is a cultural scientist who works as an Carp to consider rescinding the invitation. number of academics, journalists and research- Agnes Monka works for the Berlin- origin, they need support and orientation in Only in 2005 did the Federal Office for assumed a self-evident link between crimi- In this case, the “others” were simulta- (Whose memory counts? Colonial past based public broadcaster rbb and as a independent advisor and consultant in the and racism today), Hoffmann und Campe, A few days later, the debate was joined by Felix ers, with varying degrees of foam at the mouth. freelance journalist. the countries where they settle. For decades, Migration and Refugees (BAMF) introduce fields of integration and women’s issues. nal behavior and “individuals with a migra- neously included and excluded. Without 2019 Klein, the federal government’s Commissioner Others tried to mediate, but they could not both France and Germany have resisted being an integration course for newcomers to the tion background.” having been asked, they had suddenly come 10 The German Times July 2020

to follow through on his inten- that extends way back to the early the United States. The number it would find the move regret- a shift of large numbers of US BY JOHANNES LEITHÄUSER tions. Among these is his appar- days of the Cold War. US forces of combat troops as a share of the table, while also pointing out that troops to Poland would jeopar- ent anger at the sober indiffer- there have modern infrastructure 34,500 US soldiers stationed in it has yet to be informed of any dize the agreements NATO made S President Donald ence German Chancellor Angela at their disposal and are critical to Germany is relatively small. precise details. However, other with Moscow more than two Trump’s idea of with- Merkel has shown in greeting his America’s global military opera- Local politicians in the structur- members of the major political decades ago as part of the NATO- Udrawing a significant political ventures (including her tions. ally weak region of Upper Palati- parties – especially the opposi- Russia Founding Act. At that time, number of US troops from Ger- most recent refusal to attend an The US air base at Ramstein, for nate remain confident that their tion parties – are expressing very NATO agreed to forego a perma- many is neither new nor a sur- in-person G7 summit in Wash- example, plays a pivotal role in US garrisons will be unaffected different hopes and concerns. nent stationing of “substantial” prise. The White House issued ington due to the pandemic). Or drone missions and supply flights by Trump’s withdrawal plans. The The left-wing Die Linke has said troops in those Eastern European the same threat once before, just it might be Trump’s recollection to destinations in the Middle possible removal of troops from that it supports the withdrawal, states that had just become mem- ahead of the NATO summit in bers of the Alliance. July 2018. At the time, the reasons Although the Founding Act given for the potential transfer of did not precisely define the term US forces were Germany’s inad- “substantial,” NATO military equate contribution to NATO’s planners nevertheless suspect IMAGO IMAGES/ZUMA WIRE IMAGES/ZUMA IMAGO defense capability and its inten- that permanently stationing a tion of acquiring more natural gas military unit the size of a brigade from Russia via the Nord Stream (roughly 3,000 soldiers) would 2 pipeline. violate the spirit of the agreement. As is again the case, Poland was Until recently, it was clear that entertaining hopes that it would the Pentagon shared this opin- directly benefit if the US were to ion. Although the US – together move troops out of Germany. For Homecoming with NATO and not least with the years, the national-conservative German Bundeswehr – has indeed Polish government had been bad- strengthened its military presence gering Trump with requests that in Eastern Europe over the past he consider stationing a complete game several years, it has thus far always American division (roughly 10,000 rotated troops to avoid perma- soldiers) on Polish soil. In 2019, German policymakers are unruffled nently stationing them there. during a visit to Washington, Polish Policymakers in Berlin are also President Andrzej Duda even sug- by Trump’s plan to withdraw some 9,500 paying close attention to the resis- gested that the new base could bear US troops from Germany tance to Trump’s withdrawal plans the name “Fort Trump.” Poland currently emerging from Washing- also signaled its intention to con- ton. On the one hand, the Pen- tribute up to €1 billion to the cost tagon seems to be making prepa- of stationing troops in the country. rations to somehow substantiate At the time, however, even this the president’s blanket statement investment – which would have regarding a withdrawal of 9,500 been sizable for Poland – sparked soldiers. On the other hand, the no enthusiasm in Washington. voices of congressmen and sena- One year ago, Duda was forced to tors from political camps that con- make do with a US promise that Safe travels: Airborne operations at Ramstein Air Base in southwestern Germany sider the withdrawal plan to be one-tenth of the requested troops strategically damaging are becom- would be sent to his country. of his election promise to “bring East. And for years now, the US the region around Stuttgart would and the new SPD parliamentary ing increasingly louder. Republi- The circumstances that the boys home” from missions military hospital in the nearby cause a bearable level of stress. leader Rolf Mützenich sees it as can senators Lindsey Graham and prompted Trump to issue his threat abroad. town of Landstuhl has treated In fact, residents of the affluent an opportunity to usher in “a sus- Marco Rubio have even threatened two years ago have changed little It should be noted, however, badly injured soldiers flown there neighboring town of Böblingen tainable reorientation of security to cut US military appropriations since then, except that Germany’s that American military bases in directly from theaters of war in have regularly complained about policy in Europe.” Mützenich and so that there would simply be no NATO quota has actually gone up Germany cannot be compared to Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq. the noise caused by the Army the Greens have campaigned for funds available for the troop with- from 1.2 percent to roughly 1.4 per- field camps in other countries in Stuttgart is home to the head- Rangers and Navy Seals training years for a withdrawal of tactical drawal. cent of GDP in the current year. which the US operates, such as quarters of the US European in the area. They would no doubt US nuclear weapons from Ger- This number might even grow Iraq or Afghanistan. US troops Command (EUCOM) and the US be delighted if the clamor came many. to 1.6 percent in the wake of the in Germany are stationed mostly Africa Command (AFRICOM). to an end. Members of Merkel’s CDU/CSU, economic slump caused by the in the southern states of Bavaria, At a US base near Grafenwöhr, The political reaction in Ger- on the other hand, have their own Johannes Leithäuser is a politics editor for the COVID-19 crisis. Baden-Württemberg and Rhine- Bavaria, the 2nd US Cavalry many to Trump’s withdrawal concerns. Germany’s Minister Frankfurter Allgemeine But there may be other reasons land-Palatinate, and they have a Regiment has one of the most plans is two-fold. In its official of Defense, Annegret Kramp- Zeitung. why the US president still wants long history at those sites – one modern training areas outside of statements, Berlin has stated that Karrenbauer, stated publicly that

Can Germany become Europe’s “enabling power”?

Is Germany adapting quickly enough to a changing international environment?

Read more about these and other key strategic questions in a forthcoming special edition of the Munich Security Report focusing on German foreign and security policy.

Out in October 2020!

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Since its first edition in 2015, it has compiled data, analyses, the interested public. In the future, special editions of the and maps which illuminate major developments and critical MSR will provide in-depth analyses of key actors, regions, E-Mail: [email protected] challenges to international security. The annual report has or issues, starting with a special edition on German foreign served as a conversation starter for the Munich Security and security policy in October 2020 and a special edition Website: securityconference.org Conference and as background reading for MSC participants, on COVID-19 and its consequences for peace, security, but is also made available to security professionals and and development in November 2020. Twitter: @MunSecConf July 2020 The German Times 11

representative democracy in the BY PHILIP MANOW face of its detractors if our con- fusion of cause and effect leads ook titles like How Democ- to neglect in identifying its weak- racies Die and How Democ- nesses. Seeing the conflict not Bracy Ends express the as a struggle between evil anti- widely held belief that liberal democrats and good democrats, representative democracy faces but rather between anti-liberal acute danger. The most recent democracy and undemocratic lib- report by the NGO Freedom eralism, reveals a slew of unpleas- House is titled Democracy in ant truths. Retreat. Modi’s India, Erdoğan’s In this conflict, liberalism is Turkey, Bolsonaro’s Brazil, not only the fully immobile, all Duterte’s Philippines, Putin’s too innocent victim of “illiberal Russia and, yes, the United States forces” that have ominously resur- under Trump – the rise of strong SHUTTERSTOCK rected themselves while shielding men with a poorly developed their origins in mystery. What we propensity to protect the institu- are facing is the political answer tional integrity of democracy has to the overextension of the liberal led to alarming diagnoses. Unpleasant truths project, to the unyielding consti- This trend is analog to the dra- tutionalization of more and more matic rise of populist political decision-making responsibilities, parties in Europe in the past 20 Populism is the symptom – not the cause – of our current crisis of democracy to the attempt to hand over an years: Movimento, Podemos and increasing number of political Syriza in the south, the Sweden one respect. Only a few decades son managed to frame his most idealize a maximum level of legal cedes the comprehensive protec- issues to courts as well as interna- Democrats and the Finns Party have passed since it became con- recent election as “the people” restraint on liberalist tendencies. tion of minorities, its separation tional bodies and treaties, to the in the north, and Fidesz and PiS ventional wisdom that political against “the politicians”; Donald Needless to say, there is no jus- of powers as well as the increas- immunization of individual rights in the east are just a few examples and economic liberation – read: Trump’s reaction to the introduc- tification for accepting the new ing delegation of decision-making against political majorities. The of Europe’s new populist power democracy and capitalism – had tion of impeachment proceedings populists’ interpretation of them- power to non-majority and/or liberal project has a propensity centers. And now the pandemic is become the only legitimate form against him was a tweet: “They’re selves as the fighters for real and supranational entities. for juristocracy and technocracy, only exacerbating social tensions. of political rule. not after me. They’re after you.” true democracy and against the And, second, an understanding as well as for the post-political Some sought to allay their fears It was but a short time ago that He would go on to repeatedly corrupt cartel of elites attempting of the conflict solely as a struggle control of free markets and free by pointing out that crisis decla- Francis Fukuyama’s diagnosis of characterize his impeachment as to sell us their own definition of between democrats and anti-dem- movement. Europe has pro- rations have always accompanied “the end of history” rang more ocrats falls short of the mark. It is gressed further with this project democracy. So, today’s conditions loudly than all of today’s warnings highly plausible to argue that an than any other entity. are nothing new under the demo- of the “end of democracy.” Everyone across the political “illiberal democracy” in the Orbán In this respect, the final diag- cratic sun and present no grounds This leads us to the paradox of mold is not a democracy at all. But nosis can perhaps not be grasped for concern? our current situation, which the spectrum invokes the good the argument that liberalism has without closer consideration of When Harold Laski delivered French historian Pierre Rosan- become undemocratic in many the diagnosis rendered in the his Weil Lectures in 1931, titled vallon summarized as follows: name of democracy – those of its current manifestations is early 1990s – the exultant deter- Democracy in Crisis, his premo- “The democratic ideal now reigns equally valid. mination that liberalism had nitions proved tragically on the unchallenged, but regimes claim- who defend the status quo as These points underscore the triumphed, with no foreseeable mark. But this recalls a certain ing to be democratic come in for fact that the success of populists rival, harbored both hubris and phenomenon common among vigorous criticism almost every- well as those who attack it is best understood in the context the makings for the current crisis economists: when someone where.” We are thus confronted of the broad disappointment with threatening to topple the liberal permanently screams “crisis,” it with the simultaneous non-crisis an attack on democracy. real and true democracy. Yet nor the composition, condition and project. shouldn’t be considered an accu- and crisis of democracy. This is Everyone across the political should we dismiss it out of hand functionality of our representa- rate prognosis on the rare occa- something new. spectrum invokes the good name as pure propaganda, for it serves tive democracy. In the words of sion that a crisis actually devel- Today, democracy is being chal- of democracy – those who defend to illustrate at least two important the British political scientist David Philip Manow teaches ops. Moreover, Laski justified his lenged in the name of democracy. the status quo as well as those points: Runciman: “Democracy is not political science at the pessimism through analyses of The issues are direct vs. represen- who attack it. Thus, all political First – as the Dutch politi- working well – if it were, there University of Bremen. In May of this year, edition two particular countries of cen- tative democracy, illiberal vs. lib- opponents can be construed as cal theorist Cas Mudde wrote would be no populist backlash.” Suhrkamp published his tral importance to the survival of eral democracy. Some even pres- enemies of democracy. Each party – democracy has now become This means that the popu- highly acclaimed study titled democracy in the 20th century: ent the conflict as The People vs. cites its own conceptions of what hegemonic in the sense of popular lists are not the real problem of “(Ent-)Demokratisierung the US and the UK. Democracy, the title of a book by democracy actually is. While for sovereignty and the principle of democracy. They merely indi- der Demokratie” (The (de-)democratization of But our time is distinctly dif- political theorist Yascha Mounk. some it represents the unshackled majority rule, while this is not the cate that a problem exists. Yet democracy). ferent than Laski’s, at least in British Prime Minster Boris John- sovereignty of the people, others case for a liberal democracy that we cannot effectively defend

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BY FRANK HOFMANN

EU officials worked meticu- lously on the development of the climate crisis package, even though the official language of the program was noticeably stilted: “A major element of the new development model will be to decouple future economic prosperity from environmental pollution.” The idea was to help the econ- omy, all the while guided by a clear goal. In order to achieve this goal, however, the Commis- sion in Brussels needed money, its own money, raised on the capital market – in other words, joint public debt. But until now, the raising of public debt had been a process reserved solely Is the COVID-19 crisis the Hamiltonreka! moment that will push the EU towards more integration? for EU member states. EU The above description could easily apply to the recent inter- nal papers issued by the Euro- pean Commission regarding the management of the economic crisis caused by the COVID- 19 pandemic. But the quote is drawn from a different era; it is almost 30 years old and can be of which will be in the form of Perhaps. If it weren’t for all the citizens of Europe through means of the co-decision proce- greatest challenge “since World found in the white paper of then repayable loans, the rest as a non- those tricky details involved direct democracy, i.e. European dure, with the full say of Euro- War II,” as she described it. Commission President Jacques repayable grant. Italy will ben- in the battle between national Parliament, will forgo the use of pean parliament,” says Karas. “Luckily, Chancellor Angela Delors under the title: “Growth, efit from a lower interest rate, as sovereignty, European solidar- its sharpest sword, at least par- So it’s the right to contribute to Merkel noticed in time what Competitiveness, Employment Brussels has a higher credit rating ity and community spirit – plus tially. the decision-making, but not the was at stake,” economist Nouriel – The Challenges and Ways For- than Rome. the current EU Lisbon Treaty. But does this approach to right to actually vote. Roubini told Der Spiegel in mid- ward into the 21st Century.” In As part of this redevelopment After the constitutional treaty dealing with the effects of the The question still remains as June. “It was not possible for the early 1990s, Delors – a friend project, Ursula von der Leyen’s of Europe failed in Dutch and pandemic actually represent an to how exactly the funds will be Berlin to be against EU budget of then-Chancellor Helmut Kohl Commission intends to set up French referendums, the treaty historical moment and evidence allocated in the coming years. growth and the ECB playing and a man once referred to as programs to finance projects in served to reinforce the EU as a of EU integration in the wake of A well-established procedure a greater role, and at the same “Mister Europe“ – was eager to northern Italy and other needy community of nation states as so many difficult years of bicker- already exists for funds from pre- time be surprised when every- get out of the economic crisis regions in Europe. A sum of €9.4 opposed to an integrated com- ing over Brexit and the euro debt vious EU budgets that are jointly thing goes down the drain,” said by means of European credit for billion has been earmarked for munity. crisis? controlled by European Parlia- Roubini. “At that point, Europe investment in Europe’s infra- EU4Health – a health program In actual fact, thanks to its so- Speaking to The German Times, ment and the European Com- would be dead.” structure and environment- designed to help member states called Cohesion Fund, the Euro- the Austrian politician Othmar mission: projects are proposed So the European Union will friendly technologies. overcome the pandemic. This pean Commission has for years Karas – a vice president of Euro- by the regions and member now have two budgets. The first But the West German govern- money could flow directly to states, funding is applied for in will be managed by European ment rejected Delors’ plan, with hospitals. accordance with pre-defined Parliament, and the second – Kohl’s coalition government in Does this mean that funds from funding rates, and the allocation the COVID-19 budget – will be Bonn arguing that “reduced state the capital market bonds issued of these funds is managed by handled by the European Com- intervention at the national level by the European Commission The path out of the EU officials in Brussels. Cities, mission, which will pump money must not be offset by increased will go straight to its target recipi- crisis now being taken municipalities, regions, national into the capital markets. Accord- subsidies from the community.” ents with no detours? governments and even the pri- ing to the plan, the Commission Soon thereafter, however, the For supporters of European bears all the signs of a vate sector participate in these will soon start to collect its own Federal Republic of Germany integration and the path towards projects by contributing addi- taxes to be able to service the would introduce the largest a “United States of Europe,” this European compromise tional funds. debt resulting from the COVID- package of subsidies in its his- would be something to celebrate. One thing that remains unclear 19 budget. It is not yet known tory – as a means of financing It might even be “a Hamilton borne out of great need is who exactly is supposed to pay whether it will be a digital tax or German reunification. The moment for Europe,” as German for this post-COVID-19 recon- a financial transaction tax, but country’s Sonderkonjunktur, a Finance Minister and Vice Chan- struction. A strengthening of the it will most definitely be some- state-financed path to economic cellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) put it, current system would be in the thing. development, soon led them recalling the first US Treasury had funds at its disposal with pean Parliament, one of the interest of EU member govern- In the coming six months of head over heels into debt. Ger- Secretary Alexander Hamilton, which it can finance projects in most influential conservatives ments, in particular those in the Germany’s presidency of the EU many had become “the sick man who bundled the country’s fiscal nation states directly on site, in Brussels and a figure instru- north. Especially when it comes Council, the facts that the Euro- of Europe.” responsibilities at the federal level such as social organizations in mental in handling the euro debt to Italy, the “frugal four” – Aus- pean Commission is actually Three decades later, the cur- in 1790 as a means of generat- Padua or a bridge in Catalonia. crisis – said: “We need the ‘Next tria, Denmark, the Netherlands going into debt to combat the rent plan is to allow the Euro- ing common revenue. This would Many infrastructure projects Generation EU’ program and a and Sweden – have repeatedly crash caused by the pandemic pean Commission to take on be much in the vein of Jacques bear the EU flag upon comple- long-term, future-oriented EU accused the country of siphon- and that the European Union €750 billion in debt to confront Delors, the great champion of tion, often with a small note budget in order to ensure social ing away the EU’s money into has pulled together at all during the economic consequences of Europe and a social democrat indicating that the EU fund has and economic reconstruction the dark channels of the Mafia. this crisis will no doubt be the COVID-19 pandemic, espe- like Scholz. co-financed the project. across Europe after the COVID- The path out of the crisis now repeatedly celebrated as major cially in Spain and Italy. The EU Bundestag President Wolfgang In the case of the COVID-19 19 crisis. It is a joint political being taken bears all the signs of steps forward for the European budget will be liable for the debt Schäuble (CDU) recently brought crisis, however, the European project for the reorganization a European compromise borne idea. and also responsible for ser- this grand idea down a notch, but Commission and Council have of Europe – comparable to the out of great need. It was paved vicing and settling it. The plan even he, who always opposed chosen a different path. The EU internal market and the euro.” by French President Emmanuel from European Commission joint European debt, speculated Council alone will make deci- In order to ensure that the Macron together with Chan- Frank Hofmann is a President Ursula von der Leyen in an interview with Der Spiegel sions regarding these programs. large sum of money pumped cellor Angela Merkel. Macron journalist and historian has been given the name “Next that this could be a moment in This is not the case with the into the system is given a modi- brought into play the idea of specializing in Europe, the US, Generation EU” and is designed which Europe – as it has done so existing cohesion fund, where cum of democratic legitimacy, European Commission bonds. human rights and international relations. He has worked as to send out a clear sign of soli- often in the history of its integra- decisions are made by European “all EU programs through which Merkel realized the terrible con- a correspondent in Brussels, darity. €500 billion will go to tion – would perhaps pull closer Parliament. In other words, the ‘Next Generation EU’ funding sequences of continuing her neg- Paris, Kiev and the Balkans. the member states, €250 billion together in the face of adversity. only EU body legitimized by will flow will be decided upon by ative line in the context of the

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Europe will host numerous donor legal problems for corporations BY HELENE BUBROWSKI conferences to amass the majority that neglect their fiduciary obliga-

SHUTTERSTOCK of the funding required for the tions to provide maximum profit nfection numbers are sinking development of a vaccine, while to their shareholders. in Germany. Life has some- Race for the vaccine other countries will simply end up Germany recently approved a Iwhat returned to normal. reaping most of the benefits. special provision that empowers The economy is recovering. Yet It was recently revealed that the federal ministry of health to gratification over the fairly mild Hundreds of research teams across the world the federal government invested use an innovation “in the inter- course of the pandemic is being are working on a remedy for the SARS-CoV-2 virus – €300 million in Curevac, enough est of public welfare.” The con- tempered by fears of a second to acquire 23 percent of its shares. sequence would be that vaccine wave, which could wreak havoc it’s a gigantic business for corporations and a power Contrary to contingent offers would be freely accessible despite if it were to descend upon the game for individual countries from the US government, exclu- the awarding of a patent. Federal Republic as early as this sive promises or rights for the Moreover, patent protection can autumn. A full return to nor- German population were not on be limited by the issuance of com- malcy will only be possible once the table. pulsory licenses, if such a measure a vaccine against the virus has At issue, however, was a signal is found to be in the public inter- been developed. And this applies that a key element of Berlin’s est. In other words, the protection not just to Germany – immuniza- industrial strategy is to prevent of the lives and health of citizens tion is vital for the entire popula- the cession of German health- is prioritized over the reaping of tion of the world. sector companies to foreign the full profits from an innovation. The race for a vaccine has been investors. Still, the pharmaceuti- It is disputable whether a risk underway for some time. But the cal company BioNTech recently to public health always justifies a contest is not just about big busi- received €220 million in new compulsory license. Critics argue ness – it represents nothing less investments, including from the that incentive for research could than an international struggle for Temasek investment fund, which diminish if discoveries and inno- technological dominance. is owned by the city-state of Sin- vations no longer yield financial Around 180 research teams from gapore. reward. across the globe are working on Investment is a wager on the The debate over compulsory developing a SARS-CoV-2 vac- Angela Merkel recently urged at exchange for the exclusive rights demonstrating superiority in its future. The company that makes licenses was conducted with cine. And the first results are in: a donor conference that yielded to the vaccine. Curevac declined. duel with the US. the first breakthrough can count particular intensity in relation to The US biotech company Mod- €6.15 billion to fight the pandemic. The Trump administration The impetus for supplying on huge profits, as it will be AIDS medication. Only after sharp erna will begin its third and last Microsoft founder Bill Gates tried the same with Sanofi, whose personal protection equipment able to apply for the patent for criticism from developing coun- phase of clinical trials before the called for COVID-19 immuniza- research project had received (PPE) to Italy at the start of the the COVID-19 vaccine. Intellec- tries did it become feasible to alter end of the summer. tion to be classified as a “global funding from Washington. Sanofi crisis was apparently not altruism tual property is legally protected the treaty on trade-related aspects The French pharmaceutical firm public good.” Even Chinese initially appeared to be persuaded, on the part of China. Rome paid throughout the world – whoever of intellectual property rights, Sanofi expects to receive certifica- President Xi Jinping vowed at but after sharp criticism, the com- for the help and Beijing exploited makes a discovery will be sure to which resulted in the TRIPS tion for a vaccine for the first half the annual meeting of the World pany announced that the vaccine the move for propaganda pur- see considerable financial gain. Agreement. of 2021. Health Organization (WHO) that would become available to all poses. These experiences leave But French President Emman- Yet in the case of a compulsory University of Oxford research- China would make the vaccine regions of the world simultane- no reason to assume that China uel Macron is seeking to prevent license, innovators still receive ers have begun their second phase available to poorer countries, as ously. will selflessly share the results of companies from profiting from “commensurate remuneration,” of human trials. well, if a research team from his Things work differently in the its research with the global com- the misery of the pandemic. He the value of which depends on At the end of April, the Mainz- country succeeds in becoming the US, where, according to media munity. is urging manufacturers to shield certain factors such as the eco- based BioNTech was the first first to make a breakthrough in reports, pharmaceutical compa- Germany’s federal government the vaccine from the dictates of nomic performance of the coun- German pharmaceutical manufac- development. nies only receive funding in return recently allocated €750 million to the market and make it available try requesting the license. This turer to receive approval to test a “The world is united against the for supplying the US population fund a national program for the at cost price. means that the US, Japan and viral agent on human volunteers. coronavirus, and the world will first. development and production of a A company could actually refrain Germany would have to pay more If the vaccine is granted certifi- win,” said President of the Euro- The highly anticipated COVID- vaccine. There have thus far been from registering at the patent than African countries to have cation, the company will work pean Commission Ursula von 19 vaccine has become a power no efforts to tie the funding to the office, with the result that the access to the vaccine. Pharma- with the US corporation Pfizer to der Leyen. Yet despite these lofty factor in the showdown between stipulation that Germany benefit vaccine would directly enter the ceutical companies are thus going produce up to 100 million doses words, the global threat posed by countries across the globe. In from the research results before public domain, where it could be to need a dose of idealism before of the vaccine by the end of the the pandemic may not suffice to Beijing, the results of efforts to all other countries. used by everyone. For economic giving it their all in the race for year. This is an ambitious goal, foster true solidarity among the develop a vaccine are mentioned The European Union has now reasons, however, it is highly the vaccine. but this amount would not even countries of the world. The distri- in the same breath as the new announced the formation of an improbable that a company would be enough to treat one-quarter of bution battle is already underway. mobile communication standard, international coalition to draw forgo the profits, even if such a all Americans. Weeks ago, it was reported that 5G. According the foreign minis- up preliminary agreements with decision would burnish a com- Helene Bubrowski is a “Vaccines, tests and medicines President Donald Trump’s gov- try in Beijing, China is leading the developers and manufactur- pany’s public image, which could political editor for the Frankfurter Allgemeine must be available, affordable and ernment had offered the Tübin- world in the race for a vaccine. ers of the vaccine. Yet the risk in turn reap financial reward. Fur- Zeitung. accessible worldwide,” Chancellor gen-based firm Curevac money in For China, it all comes down to still remains that Germany and thermore, such a move can bring

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Highlight D r. H a u s Fernwärmer Schlau vernetzt Energielieferant Atemzug Berlin Berlin Berlin Berlin Berlin Berlin

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Highflyer Vorausschauend Wirkungstreffer Pl a t z f ü r Z u k u n f t Spielplatz Freiheitsklang Berlin Berlin Berlin Berlin Berlin Berlin

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Liftgeschwindigkeit Höchste Innovation Zukunftsforscher Eau de Toilette Berlin Berlin Berlin Berlin 14 July 2020

Dancing with tears in their eyes: The legendary club Kater Holzig had to close its doors in 2014. IMAGO IMAGES / CARSTEN DAMMANN / CARSTEN IMAGES IMAGO

BY MARUSHA

he Berlin Wall came without dance and music culture, tumbling down in 1989, The end of the rainbow without its smorgasbord of clubs yet was not torn apart and underground shops, without andT pulverized in its entirety. Berlin’s clubs have been slowly dying. places where a vast array of cul- Large sections of the Wall were tures and people can meet, have sawed into pieces, painted and COVID-19 is now singing their swansong fun, exchange ideas, evolve and transformed into art. The global learn from one another? symbol for division, espionage, But it’s not just the investors permanent surveillance, con- who are to blame for the advent straint, dogma, captivity and of this tragedy. Let’s not forget death was symbolically liberated all the residents’ complaints of through art. Countless segments Ahornblatt dining complex, at the been the busiest traffic intersec- only by way of the Love Parade, sold, including the home of the inadequate sound insulation, or of the Wall still stand today all EX!T, in former Russian restau- tion in Europe. But after World which took place once a year and old Tresor. The site near Pots- the commercial rent increases, as across the world as monuments rants like Café Moskau and in the War II and during the GDR, it helped Berlin become a magnet damer Platz where Tresor was clubs are legally considered to be to (very) recent history. Cosmos cinema. Everything was became a death strip riddled for travelers. born in 1991 is now a giant mall. places of entertainment, and are Since time immemorial, Berlin happening in and around Frank- with mines. Now it was all being Unfortunately, however, event The real-estate hype has killed thus equated with casinos, porn has been a refuge for artists from furter Allee, right at Alexander- partied away at top volume, as if organizers and the municipal the subculture and creative scene cinemas and brothels. all corners of the creative world. platz. the remains of the East German government ran the Love Parade at the heart of many metropolitan Politicians from various par- The soul of Berlin has seen much One of Berlin’s most legend- regime were being pulverized by into a wall after 16 years – it has centers. Lightness has been sup- ties have filed motions to clas- come and go as it progresses ever ary techno clubs was Tresor, shock waves of musical force. failed to take place in Berlin ever planted by darker forces. Gen- sify clubs as cultural sites, like forward, never idle, always in which opened in 1991 in the vault Many of the first parties and since. A few years after leaving trification is synonymous with operas, theaters and concert halls. motion, even when this motion beneath the former Wertheim clubs were insider tips. You liter- Berlin, the Love Parade, then bad vibes and with the expulsion This would relieve the budgets can seem rather casual and arrive department store dating back to ally needed a secret code to gain in Duisburg, was the site of a of culture that no one in Berlin’s of many club operators, bolster somewhat late. 1929. The place was moist and entrance. There were telephone horrific tragedy resulting in 21 club scene and subculture was the reputation of the club scene But suddenly something smelled like rusty metal. The numbers you could call to get the deaths, after which there would prepared for. and award clubs the status of extraordinary was on the move. music was straight underground lowdown on where and when to premium artistic enterprises. But Just after the fall of the Berlin techno, loud and electronic. The find the unadvertised locations even such a law would not rescue Wall, when half of East Berlin air reeked of the vanilla scented and parties. You never knew the clubs. had emptied out, a kind of posi- additive used in fog machines; where you would ultimately end The COVID-19 pandemic has tive anarchy prevailed across the under the flashing of strobe up. It was pure thrill, true magic. badly exacerbated an already city. The East German govern- lights, ravers danced to the hard- A little research and every day dire situation. Clubs and bars ment was in a state of shock, of est beats in the city. you discovered new treasures of DPA/DPAWEB PICTURE-ALLIANCE/ in Berlin are vanishing into thin agony. Nothing was really clear When descending the stairs Berlin. It was an intense, spon- air. Clubs and DJs are produc- amid all the political chaos. Many into the basement of Tresor, to taneous and liberating quest for ing DJ livestreams to raise money apartments and some entire the rusted safe deposit boxes of the best and most extraordinary to save clubs. These efforts can buildings lay empty. Ownership the former bank, you could no sounds of the city. at best serve as a stop-gap. Most claims had not been resolved or longer see the person right in With no mandatory closing clubs will not be able to survive former owners were nowhere to front of you. But Tresor was no times, parties would rage on from the silence of live artists, many of be found. Students in search of catwalk; it was not a place to see Saturday night to Tuesday noon, whom have resorted to welfare housing and newcomers to Berlin and be seen – people came there or longer. Now and then some- assistance, as they are not per- proceeded to occupy apartments to dance. Whether or not you one would sweep through and mitted to work and can no longer and buildings in the eastern half could see something through the clear out any lingerers, but then Last hurrah: Marusha during the final night of make ends meet. of the city, as well as in the west. fog was not as essential as the fat it would all carry on as before. the mystical techno club Tresor in 2005 And the policy touted to rescue The three years after 1989 beats coming from the speakers. It was the candor and ingenu- Berlin’s club scene? The concepts were the most thrilling phase of The dictum in Berlin was: first ousness of and toward each and be no more Love Parades. All Since I have lived in Berlin, developed by an established club German reunification. And this comes the sound system, then every participant, regardless of that remains is the legend and the most clubs have been forced to commission must be imple- was also true for the music and comes the rest of the club. origin, profession or class, that mourning. Nonetheless, Berlin is change locations several times mented swiftly. Neglect and pro- dance scene. Anywhere and at Planet, on Köpenicker Straße, made the techno music scene still the place to be for techno and due to a new landlord or lease crastination are the biggest mis- any time, DJs and non-profes- directly on the river, was a Tresor what it was. Everyone could is famous the world over for its termination. Compared to many takes the city could make. Once sional organizations hosted spon- rival as one of the most estab- behave as they wanted – everyone clubs and electronic music scene. other large German cities, Berlin the scene is gone, it won’t come taneous parties and entertained lished and sought-after clubs in was unique and contributed to Around ten years ago, investors, has been relatively successful in back. a whole generation of young the city. There was always a line the colorful mosaic of the Berlin with hopes of making gobs of preserving its club subculture. people with electronic music. of people waiting to get in. And party set. money, declared Berlin to be their But this success seems to be run- I hope the party’s not over. they were all natives. Berlin’s As this subculture developed, favorite city. They bought up ning dry. Many clubs have been Techno! tourist boom had yet to begin. predominantly in the eastern half building after building with the forced to close or are now in Every day, during the day, was of Berlin, no one could have fore- goal of creating a vast landscape danger of needing to. These parties and DJs rang the a party in the warren of old tun- seen that techno music, above of top-notch luxury housing, and What is a city like Berlin with- Marusha is a German electronic music DJ, television ears of revelers in former Stasi nels under Potsdamer Platz. The all, would spell the beginning of renovated blocks of apartments out a colorful nightlife, without presenter, music producer buildings, in the Haus des Leh- entrance to the club led through a pervasive culture that would to transform them into pricey cabarets, bars, musicians and and actress. She lives and rers, at the Congress Center, in a hatch in the ground and down pump real money into the city condominiums. Properties and back-lot artists? What is Berlin works in Berlin. the small flower shop in the vast a chicken ladder. This had once of Berlin’s empty coffers – not buildings that housed clubs were without after-hours parties,

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