Strategische Narrative deutscher Europapolitik

Germany is faced with increasing challenges as a result of its involvement in the European integration project. These pressures have in part been the result of the widening scope of the European Union since the end of the Cold War. On top of this, Germany and the European Union have had to deal with a succession of crises which have challenged the effectiveness and legitimacy of the EU – the Euro crisis, the crisis in Ukraine and now pressures emanating from the large scale flow of people from the Middle East. These crises have gone hand in hand with a reassessment of Germany’s role in Europe and the world. Germany’s central role in addressing the Euro crisis have lead some commentators to argue that we are witnessing the emergence of a hegemonic Germany which must now take on the responsibilities of leadership. The Merkel government is faced with the challenge of narrating a response to this crisis. That narrative must chart a credible way to resolve the crisis, but also outline a role in Europe and the world for Germany which is accepted both domestically and internationally.