In his interview with WELT, Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schlie emphasises the security and foreign policy challenges facing Germany and Europe. He says that the new federal government must quickly develop a strategic assessment of the situation and not stop at vague coalition promises – such as the planned National Security Council, which urgently needs to work coherently and be coordinated across departments.
The central challenge is the transatlantic relationship: with regard to Donald Trump's Russia policy, Schlie warns of an alienation between Europe and the US. Europe must take on more responsibility and become capable of acting as a strategic player – especially in its dealings with Russia and Ukraine.
Schlie is critical of the US peace plan for Ukraine, saying it is staged for public effect but diplomatically immature. For him, one thing is certain: Europe must take on greater responsibility for security policy, build up its defence capabilities and find a common line towards authoritarian powers.
Schlie also calls for more seriousness in domestic policy: Germany's ability to act in security policy has shrunk to a minimum – now strategic thinking, military capabilities and close integration between foreign and defence policy are needed.