Germans Prioritize European Unity and Defense in Foreign Policy Shift

A recent survey reveals that strengthening European cohesion remains the foremost foreign policy priority for 54% of Germans, underscoring a continued commitment to European unity amid evolving global challenges. This represents a slight decline from the early period of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's administration but still leads other priorities convincingly.

Enhancing Germany's defense capabilities comes second, favored by 37% of respondents, marginally down from 38%. This indicates a sustained focus on national defense, although the level of concern varies widely by age and political affiliation. Notably, only 10% of young voters aged 14 to 29 consider defense enhancement important, while CDU/CSU voters show robust support at 62%, contrasting with just 26% among SPD voters.

Limiting the influence of authoritarian states has risen sharply to become the third most significant priority, with 28% of Germans highlighting this issue—a notable increase from 20%. This reflects a growing apprehension regarding autocratic regimes and their impact on global affairs.

Climate protection has fallen to fourth place, with 23% support, down from 26%. However, it remains a critical concern for certain political factions, especially the Left Party and the Greens, where 63% and 57% of their voters respectively regard climate efforts as highly important.

Support for expanding aid to Ukraine has significantly decreased, dropping from 17% to just 7%, signaling a shift in public sentiment regarding Germany's role in the ongoing conflict.

These findings indicate a nuanced and evolving public opinion landscape in Germany, where European solidarity and defense considerations remain paramount, but concern for climate issues and aid to Ukraine show declining emphasis. Divergences by age and party lines highlight the complexity of foreign policy attitudes as Germany navigates a shifting international environment.