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Friedrich Merz and the Zeitenwende 2.0. A “New Era” for Transatlantic Relations?

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Couv_NdC 186_M. Krpata
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On February 23, 2025, almost 60 million voters were called upon to elect a new Bundestag. These elections will also give rise to a new government in Europe's largest economy.

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Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom, February, 16. 2025  © Steve Travelguide/Shutterstock.com
Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom, February, 16. 2025
Steve Travelguide/Shutterstock.com
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With the next coalition in place around a likely future Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Germany hopes to regain stability. There is also the question of what role Germany will play within the European Union, and what direction it wishes to take towards the United States following Donald Trump's return to the White House.

At a time when the coming years will be decisive for the affirmation of Europe's role in the world order and for its security, will the future German government seek to portray itself as resolutely pro-European, or will it be anxious to defend its own interests? What new Franco-German dynamic could emerge?

 

Marie Krpata is Research Fellow at the Study Committee on Franco-German Relations (Cerfa) at the French Institute of International Relations – Ifri, where she dedicates her research activities to the European Union and the external relations of the Franco-German couple.
 

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979-10-373-1012-5

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Friedrich Merz and the Zeitenwende 2.0. A “New Era” for Transatlantic Relations?

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Marie KRPATA

Marie KRPATA

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The Pariser Platz (Paris Square) on the east side of the Brandenburg Gate at Berlin, Germany
The Study Committee on Franco-German Relations (Cerfa)
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The Study Committee on Franco-German Relations (Cerfa) was created in 1954 by an inter-governmental agreement between the Federal Republic of Germany and France, in order to raise awareness of Germany in France and analyze Franco-German relations, including in their European and international dimensions. In its conferences and seminars, which bring together experts, political leaders, senior decision-makers and representatives of civil society from both countries, Cerfa develops the Franco-German debate and stimulates political proposals. It regularly publishes studies through two collections: Cerfa notes and studies as well as Franco-German visions.

 

Cerfa maintains close relations with the network of German foundations and think tanks. In addition to its research and debate activities, Cerfa promotes the emergence of a new Franco-German generation through original cooperation programs. This is how in 2021-2022, Cerfa led a program on multilateralism with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Paris. This program is aimed at young professionals from both countries interested in the issues of multilateralism in the context of their activities. It covered a wide range of themes relating to multilateralism, such as international trade, health, human rights and migration, non-proliferation and disarmament. Previously, Cerfa had participated in the Franco-German future dialogue, co-led with the DGAP from 2007 to 2020, and supported by the Robert Bosch Foundation and the Daniel Vernet group (formerly the Franco-German Reflection Group) which was founded in 2014 upon the initiative of the Genshagen Foundation.

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Accroche

At the heart of economic security, technological resilience is a backbone of the European Union’s (EU) competitiveness. The EU’s energy and digital transitions depend on critical raw materials (CRM).

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Reconciling competitiveness and demographic change: a Franco-German imperative

Date de publication
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Accroche

France and Germany are facing parallel demographic shifts that could reshape the future of their economies and their social models. These shifts reflect broader European patterns but are magnified by the central role both nations play in EU governance and competitiveness.

Jeanette SÜß Kevin GENNA
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Taking the Pulse: Does France's Political Crisis Weaken Europe's Geopolitical Hand?

Date de publication
09 October 2025
Accroche

While the EU tries to navigate a myriad international challenges, France is experiencing historic political disarray. What impact will instability in Paris have on Europe's geostrategic capacity?

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Imaginary and Reality of the Franco-German border: a Laboratory for Europe of tomorrow

Date de publication
16 September 2025
Accroche

In Europe, the question of borders is a central issue. According to the European Parliament, border regions cover around 40% of the European Union (EU) territory, concentrate 30% of its population and produce nearly a third of its gross domestic product. 

Claire DEMESMAY, Visiting professor, Alfred Grosser Research Chair, Sciences Po
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Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom, February, 16. 2025
Steve Travelguide/Shutterstock.com

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Friedrich Merz and the Zeitenwende 2.0. A “New Era” for Transatlantic Relations?