Germany’s new Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is making a cautious entrance on the European stage, treading carefully between respect for close partners and his own foreign policy vision.
At his first meeting with EU counterparts, Germany’s new Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is treading carefully. He pays as much attention to interpersonal rapport as his message of respect for Germany’s closest partners.
Treading Carefully on the European Stage
Wadephul had his first outing on the big European stage at an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Warsaw. Many participants expressed similar sentiments when asked about their new counterpart from Berlin, praising Germany’s government capable of taking action.
A Calm and Confident Approach
His predecessor, Annalena Baerbock, sometimes spoke as if she had memorized her statements by heart, whereas ‘We are connected,’ he said. This bond ‘will remain a constant in our foreign policy.’ Wadephul spoke to the EU press in a calm, self-confident way.
Resetting Relations and Seeking Cooperation
The new German government is trying to reset relations with Paris and Warsaw, which Wadephul emphasized were essential for Germany’s foreign policy. ‘We are connected,’ he said. This bond ‘will remain a constant in our foreign policy.’ France hopes for close cooperation on defense and economic policies with the new coalition in Berlin. Stefan Seidendorf, Deputy Director of the Franco-German Institute, views this as a long-awaited partner.
Challenges Ahead
However, conflicts in individual policy areas are emerging with the Polish government. The head of the European Council in Foreign Relations (ECFR) criticized the German government’s measures on migrants and controls at all German borders, perceiving them as a ‘Germany-first’ message that could be easily instrumentalized by right-wing parties.
A New Approach to Irregular Migration
Buras sees an opportunity for Wadephul to solve the problem of irregular migration at a European level together with Poland and other EU partners. He proposes new agreements with third countries to address this issue.
Gratitude for the German-Polish Friendship
Wadephul’s appointment as foreign minister is ‘very good for Poland,’ according to Buras, as he is one of the few politicians in Germany who knows and understands the country. In Warsaw, Wadephul emphasized his gratitude for the German-Polish friendship and acknowledged the responsibility Germany still bears.
