New German Coalition Continues to Support Ukraine

On April 9th the future chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) presented together with Lars Klingbeil (SPD) the plans of the new German coalition formed by the Christian Democratic Union of CDU/CSU and the social democratic SPD. 

The coalition formation followed after the elections held in February, which were won by the Pro-Ukrainian Christian Democratic Union and where the pro-Russian radical right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) came second. 

Impact on Germany’s support for Ukraine

Germany is an important ally of Ukraine and ranks as Ukraine’s second-largest individual contributor according to the Kiel Institute. The two parties Union and SPD outlined their positions on Ukraine in their 144 page coalition agreement as follows:

• A strong, democratic and sovereign Ukraine is important for geopolitical stability and for Germany’s own safety
• Germany will continue to provide Ukraine financial, military and political support.
• Germany will develop a strategy with their partners to achieve a sustainable peace, where Ukraine has a position of strength. This strategy will include material and political security guarantees.
• Germany will participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine and seeks opportunities to economically utilize frozen Russian state assets for financial and military support to Ukraine. 
• Germany stands by the NATO accession perspective for Ukraine, as reaffirmed at the NATO summit in Washington. 
• Germany supports the establishment of a special tribunal to appropriately prosecute and punish the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

During his campaign, future Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged support for Ukraine, a commitment reflected in the coalition agreement. The coalition agreement also contains plans to strengthen the German army. In March the German parliament already approved a military aid package for Ukraine of €3 Billion and a bill to increase funding of the German army. 

The coalition agreement requires approval from SPD members and senior CDU/CSU representatives. Once approved, Merz is expected to be sworn in as chancellor by parliament in early May.