News > EM Germany on German coalition agreement

EM Germany on German coalition agreement

Since October 28, 2009, Germany has a new centre-right coalition. The coalition-contract refers to the European dimension in many policy areas. The European Movement Germany
commented on a number of them and sets out proposals for their implementation.

Coordination of EU policies:
The Federal Goverment’s organization of European Affairs seems to be retained in its previous structure. The Foreign Office and the Ministry of Economics and Technology will continue to coordinate while the division of responsibilities remains.

Proposals of EM Germany:

The coordination of EU policies has to be strengthened with all stakeholders.

Bundestag and Bundesrat need to be stronger involved into European Affairs according to the decision of the Federal Constitutional Court.

The dialogue with civil society stakeholders has to be enhanced. All political positions of the Federal Government on EU policies should be made more transparent to the public.

European communications:
The coalition agreement states: "We stand for a democratic, transparent and citizen-centric European Union that is designed according to liberal principles and that sets up a framework in which citizens can take chances in life and shape their lives responsibly and solidly united."

Proposals of EM Germany:

This general formulation has to be filled with precise measures of European communications: All EU-related public relations should be developed within an integrated, government-wide approach. The responsibility should be located centrally where the coordination of EU policies takes place.

The Federal Government’s EU public relations need to be coordinated with the Representation of the European Commission, the Information Office of the European Parliament, the Bundesländer and the representatives of the organized civil society. To this end, a national communications plan should be developed jointly.