Challenges and prospects of German foreign policy

In: Međunarodni problemi: International problems, Band 64, Heft 4, S. 403-424

Abstract

For the last few years, the German foreign policy has been under constant
temptations and substantial reconsideration. The key role in resolving the
difficult economic and financial crises in the EU, the development of close
economic ties with the Russian and other rising world economic powers, the
decision to sustain in the UN Security Council in deciding to authorise the
use of force in Libya, as well as the dominant attitude towards the crises in
Greece and Kosovo clearly shows the wish of Germany to pursue a more
independent foreign policy. In spite of all these efforts and its huge
economic power, Germany has failed to become a global political power.
Moreover, in order to protect and develop its trade interests Germany must
remain within the frameworks of the EU and the NATO. For a long time, Germany
has been one of Serbia?s most important economic and political partners.
Since it is realistic to expect that Germany will be more oriented towards
developing its economic ties with the new world economic powers, the Western
Balkans and Serbia will not be in the focus of its foreign and economic
policies. Therefore, for Serbia, it will be useful to concentrate on the
cooperation with the mighty German provinces that have their interests in
developing this cooperation. In the future, the Kosovo issues will remain the
main obstacle to it.