European Union: National Perspectives, Paradiplomacy and Public Diplomacy

Abstract

The systemic crisis in the eurozone, which emerged in the eurozone in the wake of the global financial crisis a decade ago, moved Germany into the unprecedented position of semi-hegemon. During the peak of the eurozone crisis Germany hence became agenda-setter and substantially determined the reform of the eurozone governance framework. German leadership was essentially based on its economic clout and its political power resources, combined with the widespread desire in the eurozone that Germany should act as the economic stabilizer of the euro by instilling its ordoliberal stability culture in the eurozone. Germany’s dominant role has since become increasingly contested. The refugee crisis of the summer of 2015 and the lingering migration challenge have illustrated the limitations of Berlin to lead the EU towards a viable policy consensus. Even within the eurozone support for German leadership has started to wane as the permanent financial support mechanisms under the European Stability Mechanism have raised concerns about a potential transfer union in favour the South-Eastern periphery, particularly amongst Germany’s Central-Eastern neighbours. Chancellor Merkel’s erratic European diplomacy, which wavers between selective intergovernmentalism and hesitant multilateralism, has weakened the traditionally close partnership with Paris. France’s president Macron is making frantic and to this date unsuccessful attempts to revive the Franco-German leadership axis by trying to engage Berlin in strategic talks on the future of the EU. It is hence highly problematic that Germany is left in a prime leadership position in the EU as the European policy consensus in Berlin is severely constrained and Germany struggles to build alliances. This panel is aimed at examining the various aspects of German leadership in the EU from comparative national perspectives. Papers are expected to address the changing domestic foundations of German power in Europe, domestic changes amongst Germany’s European partners, as well as general strategic challenges in the EU. Papers which consider theoretical aspects of Germany’s European diplomacy in the context of the EU’s multi-level governance framework are particularly welcome.

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