November 19, 2024 - Presidential Election | Biden Visits Germany | Fall of the Wall

Dear Readers,

The American people have spoken! After the U.S. election on November 5, Chancellor Scholz congratulated President-elect Donald Trump and emphasized the importance of continuing strong transatlantic ties. “For many decades, Germany and the United States have worked side by side to promote prosperity and freedom on both sides of the Atlantic,” he said, adding that “together with you, I want to continue this successful work for the benefit of our citizens.”

While we were all eagerly awaiting the results of the U.S. presidential election, who would have thought that Germany would soon see the end of its three-party coalition government? So, we are in for a transition on both sides of the Atlantic. But as Ambassador Michaelis pointed out: Transitions create opportunities, further cooperation, and new connections.

One thing remains obvious: In these turbulent times, a strong transatlantic bond is more paramount than ever. In mid-October, President Joe Biden visited Germany to honor the strong partnership between the U.S. and Germany and to discuss the importance of a united front in the face of current security challenges, such as Russia’s war against Ukraine. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine during a visit to Kyiv on November 4. Ukraine was also on the agenda during the new NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s first visit to Berlin. Rutte commended Germany’s leadership in increasing defense spending and strengthening NATO’s eastern flank.

Finally, on November 9, we celebrated the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, a pivotal moment in history that symbolizes the enduring strength of freedom and unity — values that continue to define the transatlantic partnership today.

For more on these and other key political developments, both domestic and international, be sure to check out our latest issue of Germany for Americans.

Yours,

The Editorial Team

US-GERMAN RELATIONS

German government congratulates President-elect Donald Trump

Following Donald Trump’s election as the 47th President of the United States, Chancellor Olaf Scholz congratulated the President-elect and emphasized the importance of close transatlantic ties: “The EU and the USA are two similarly sized economic areas, linked by the closest economic ties in the world. Germany and the U.S. are bound by a partnership — a friendship — that has grown over decades. Our human ties with the U.S. are closer than with any other country outside Europe. Millions of Americans trace their roots to Germany. That is why: We are better off together.” Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also gave her sincere congratulations to Mr. Trump: “In these turbulent geopolitical times, we must more than ever act in concert — on both sides of the Atlantic — so as to stand up for our freedom, our prosperity and our way of life.” EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in turn made clear that the EU and the U.S. are “bound by a true partnership between our people, uniting 800 million citizens” and committed to working “together on a strong transatlantic agenda that keeps delivering for them.”

Read Chancellor Scholz’s full statement here.

Read Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock’s full statement here.

Honoring transatlantic relations: Biden’s farewell visit to Germany

On October 17, President Joe Biden visited Germany to reaffirm the strong partnership between the U.S. and Germany and to emphasize the importance of standing united in the face of current global security challenges. During the visit, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier awarded President Biden the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit, Germany’s highest honor, recognizing his enduring commitment to the transatlantic alliance. In his speech, Steinmeier underscored that “for Germany, friendship with the U.S. was, is, and always will be existentially important, even when there are times of disagreement.” President Biden, in return, hailed Germany as one of America’s most essential allies.

The visit also included a meeting between President Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who described Biden as a “friend of Europe, a friend of Germany, and a personal friend.” Scholz expressed gratitude for Biden’s leadership in supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s aggression.

Watch a summary video of his trip.

Visit this link for a White House fact sheet on U.S.-German relations.

Germany preparing for snap elections in February 2025

On November 6, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) following a dispute over the budget and economic policy, effectively bringing an end to the “traffic light coalition.” This three-party coalition, which included the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the FDP, and the Greens, had been governing in a power-sharing arrangement. With the coalition dissolved, Scholz now leads a smaller two-party minority government until new elections can be held. Under Germany’s Basic Law, the constitution outlines clear procedures for the next steps. Scholz intends to hold a parliamentary vote of confidence on December 16th, and should it fail, new elections will take place on February 23, 2025.

If you are a German in the U.S. and eligible to vote, find more information on how to vote from abroad here.

Baerbock reaffirms Germany’s steadfast support during visit to Kyiv

During a visit to Kyiv on November 4, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reaffirmed Germany’s steadfast support for Ukraine. In a powerful statement ahead of her trip, Baerbock said: “For almost 1,000 days, Ukrainians have been longing for peace. Since day one — and now more than ever — it is an unshakeable truth that Germany stands firmly by Ukraine, alongside many international partners. We will continue to support the Ukrainian people as long as they need us, so they can find their way to a just peace.”

Baerbock also highlighted Ukraine’s urgent need for assistance as it faces ongoing Russian airstrikes and prepares for another harsh winter. She expressed concern about the added threat of North Korean military support for Russia, further complicating the security situation.

Read more about Baerbock’s trip to Kyiv here.

Read the joint statement by Germany, the U.S., and allies on the DPRK’s Deployment of Troops to Russia.

New NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte meets with Chancellor Scholz

During his first official visit to Berlin, the new NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised Chancellor Olaf Scholz for his leadership in increasing Germany’s defense spending to 2% of GDP. Rutte also highlighted Germany's critical role in securing NATO’s eastern flank, including its deployment of a brigade in Lithuania and the establishment of a new naval headquarters in Rostock to safeguard Baltic trade routes. He further commended Germany for being the largest European contributor of military aid to Ukraine, which, as he noted, “saves lives every day.”

Click this link for a transcript from Scholz and Rutte’s joint press conference.

Germany joins US Space Command’s Operation Olympic Defender

Germany has joined the U.S. Space Command’s Olympic Defender space operation, an initiative designed to enhance allies’ capabilities in deterring space attacks, strengthening defense against hostile actors, and managing the growing issue of space debris. In round-the-clock shifts, a multinational team monitors near-Earth space for potential threats to satellites and significant changes in space weather.

Germany’s participation in Olympic Defender marks a crucial step toward developing a robust defense capability in space, an area of increasing importance in recent years. This collaboration will allow Germany to work closely with allies like the U.S., contributing to global stability and reinforcing a comprehensive international defense strategy for the modern era.

Read more about Olympic Defender.

U.S. Congressional staffers visit Germany to learn more about the “Zeitenwende”

The German Foreign Office recently hosted a group of U.S. Congressional staffers on an informational tour of Germany to explore the country’s security policy and its engagement two years into the “Zeitenwende” — or turning point. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 marked a defining moment for Germany, prompting a fundamental shift in its security and defense policy. During their visit, the group met with officials from the Chancellery, the Ministry of Defense, the Foreign Office, as well as with members of the Bundestag and experts from German think tanks to discuss Germany’s evolving role as a key player in global security.

In a separate initiative, the German Embassy, in partnership with Former Members of Congress (FMC), brought nine congressional chiefs of staff to Germany. The trip centered around an open and engaging exchange on German domestic politics and foreign policy, with discussions focusing on topics such as continued support for Ukraine and the rise of extremist parties in Germany. Over the course of five intense days, participants enjoyed thought-provoking conversations that strengthened ties between the two nations.

These exchanges highlight the depth of the German-American partnership and serve to further solidify the strong relationship between Germany and the United States.

Read more about the defense study trip.

Read more about the foreign and domestic policy study trip.

Crisis diplomacy: Baerbock visits Lebanon

The terror which Hamas and Hezbollah have unleashed on people in Israel and the entire region since October 7 last year seems to be never-ending. To promote a diplomatic resolution to the escalating conflict between Israel and Lebanon, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visited Beirut on October 24. Upon arriving in Beirut, Minister Baerbock emphasized the urgent need for international collaboration, stating: “The task now is to work with our partners in the United States, Europe, and the Arab world to devise a viable diplomatic solution that protects Israel’s legitimate security interests while also considering Lebanon’s needs. Complete destabilization of Lebanon would be disastrous not only for its diverse society but also for the broader region.”

Find out more about her trip here.

CLIMATE & ECONOMICS

Science Diplomacy at the Embassy

On October 30, our Embassy hosted the symposium “Germany — Science Powerhouse: Cutting-Edge Research and Innovation in Turbulent Times,” which kicked off a series of events and meetings on the research and innovation landscape and activities in Germany.

Did you know that, like the U.S., Germany is a science powerhouse and a leader in research? Germany is one of the few nations worldwide that dedicates more than 3% of its GDP to research and development, spending 121.4 billion EUR on R&D in 2022 alone. We also rank third in the number of Nobel Prize laureates, with 115 winners being based or born in Germany! The diversity of the German research and innovation system is the key to its success. R&D is carried out at a large number of universities, public research institutions, and private companies. The Max Planck Society, one of these German science organizations, is the leading R&D institution in all of Europe.

The benefits of Germany’s passion for science carry over to the United States. Scientists and researchers from both sides of the Atlantic often collaborate on their work. A rich culture of R&D in Germany and the U.S. encourages competitiveness in both countries and enables us to innovate together.

Read more about Science Week at the German Embassy.

Watch this video for more information on Germany’s contribution to innovation in the U.S.

Meet some of the representatives from German research institutions who were at the symposium.

Explore German business in the U.S.: A state-by-state economic analysis tool

German-owned companies have a significant impact on the U.S. economy, bolstering its overall prosperity and growth. These businesses are not only a key economic force but also major job creators across the country, with their affiliates providing employment opportunities in every state. German-affiliated firms are deeply woven into the fabric of American communities, supporting approximately 923,600 jobs across the nation. These roles, many of which directly benefit American workers and their families, reflect the strong economic ties between the two countries.

The German Representative for Business and Trade has published an online tool, “German Business in the USA: A State-by-State Analysis of Imports, Exports, and Jobs,” which offers an analysis of German business activity in all 50 states.

Check out the interactive tool.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...?

November 9 marked the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall

On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall fell, marking a monumental moment in history and the end of a divided Germany. It was one of the brightest days in German history — a day of joy and hope, as the wall that had separated families, cultures, and ideologies for nearly 30 years crumbled. On this 35th anniversary, we reflect on the pivotal role the United States played in supporting German reunification, strengthening the bond between our two nations and celebrating the triumph of freedom.

However, November 9 holds a more complex legacy within German history. On this same date in 1923, Adolf Hitler attempted to overthrow the Weimar Republic in what became known as the Beer Hall Putsch. And in 1938, the Nazis launched the horrific November Pogrom, a violent campaign of persecution that led to the deaths of hundreds of Jews and the destruction of Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues.

So, on November 9, we remember the full spectrum of these events, both the triumphs and the tragedies, that shaped the lives of millions and the course of history.

Read more about November 9.

Margot Friedl?nder turned 103

Margot Friedl?nder, a Holocaust survivor, works tirelessly to educate young people in Germany about the unspeakable crimes of the Nazi regime. Earlier this year, she graced the cover of German Vogue. In the July/August issue, she said: “Don’t look at what divides you. Look at what unites you. Be human, be reasonable.” She was also awared the BAMBI Award, the German Oscar, for her unwavering courage. We thank Ms. Friedl?nder for her dedication to Holocaust remembrance and for being an inspiring voice for tolerance and understanding.

Learn more about Margot Friedl?nder’s life and contributions here.

We have started offering online visa application services in the U.S.

You can now apply online for some types of visas through the Consular Services Portal. This will make filing visa applications faster and more convenient.

You’ll have your application checked by the German mission and only have to come in to present your original documents, provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photo), and pay the application fee.

You can find more information about the application on the Consular Services Portal here.

ON A LIGHTER NOTE

Flying Steps’ U.S. tour tackles social media with youth

The Flying Steps, Berlin’s world-renowned quadruple breakdance world champions and founders of Germany’s largest urban dance school, the Flying Steps Academy, recently toured the United States. During their tour, they held workshops with young people, using dance as a medium to explore the risks of social media financed by the German Foreign Office.

Afterward, we had the pleasure of inviting the Flying Steps to Washington, D.C., where they delivered an exciting dance performance followed by an insightful panel discussion with experts on social media policy.

View a recap of the tour here.

Pandas in Berlin open eyes for first time

In August, Zoo Berlin welcomed the birth of two panda cubs, and last month, they opened their eyes for the first time. Visitors can now view the cubs for about an hour each day, offering a rare and exciting opportunity to see these remarkable animals up close. As one of the most endangered bear species, with only around 1,800 giant pandas left in the wild, they serve as an important symbol of global conservation efforts.

Visit the Berlin Zoo’s Panda Blog for updates.