Navigation and service

Close cooperation on harnessing alternative energy sources

The German federal and state governments have agreed to instigate intensive consultation and coordination procedures as Germany moves away from conventional energy sources toward renewables.

Security must be assured in future too

How can we master the security-policy challenges facing us today and tomorrow? This was discussed at length at the NATO summit attended by Chancellor Angela Merkel. The spotlight was on NATO’s military capacities and the situation in Afghanistan.

A family photo of the heads of state and government

G8 summit Consolidation and economic growth

Global economic development was the focus of the G8 summit in Camp David. Consolidation and economic growth are two sides of the same coin, stressed Chancellor Angela Merkel. Other important points on the agenda included the situation in Syria and Iran. more

Military honours for François Hollande

Germany/France A symbol of the importance of Franco-German relations

On the very day he took office, France’s new President François Hollande visited Berlin. He was in full agreement with Chancellor Angela Merkel that Franco-German cooperation remains crucially important for the future of Europe. more

Chancellor Angela Merkel during her government statement on the coming G8 and NATO summit meetings

Government statement Debt reduction, growth and shared values

All efforts to overcome the crisis in Europe must build on debt reduction and growth, underscored the Chancellor in a government statement in the run-up to the G8 summit. Looking ahead to the NATO summit meeting she summed up the results of the engagement of Germany and its partners in Afghanistan. more

Federal Armed Forces mission Troops still needed in Kosovo

In Kosovo, German troops will continue to ensure security. The ceiling on troops deployed in Kosovo is to remain at 1,850. An additional German-Austrian reserve battalion is to be reactivated to keep the elections peaceful. more

Labour market Immigration to be made easier for highly-skilled migrants

The new EU Blue Card is designed to make it easier for highly-skilled citizens of non-EU member states to live and work in the EU, and thus in Germany. Germany hopes to attract more highly-skilled migrants. more