The Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) had already endorsed the concept while in opposition, arguing that Germany in fact needed to fundamentally rethink its strategic posture. While Scholz was later criticised for failing to fully deliver on the ambitious promises associated with the “Zeitenwende”, the current CDU/CSU-led government has actively sought to translate the concept into more concrete policy measures.
Although Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine remains the primary driver of this transformation, the growing strain in transatlantic relations since Donald Trump’s return to the White House has added a renewed sense of urgency in Berlin. Concerns about the long-term reliability of American security guarantees have strengthened calls for Germany to assume greater responsibility for its own defence and for European security more broadly. As a result, the government has pursued a more actionable approach to military spending, defence cooperation, and strategic autonomy.
Navigating Strained Transatlantic Relations at all Levels
The challenges facing the German government extend beyond the implementation of the “Zeitenwende” domestically. In addition, it must also navigate a more volatile transatlantic environment at the European level, characterised by an ongoing trade dispute and increasing uncertainty regarding the United States’ long-term commitment to European security overall.
In 2025, the risk of a trade war between the European Union and the United States was considerable. To de-escalate growing tensions, a new framework agreement adopted in late May 2026 brought an end to the cycle of retaliatory trade measures between Brussels and Washington. Under the accord, the EU accepted a 15% tariff on most exports while granting the United States preferential access to American agricultural and seafood products. All EU member states ratified the agreement, demonstrating a united European response, although its long-term effectiveness in stabilising transatlantic relations remains uncertain.
At the same time, transatlantic security relations have come under strain. The Trump administration has begun a phased withdrawal of approximately 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany, a move that many observers link to Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s criticism of U.S. policy during the Iran conflict. While Berlin has sought to downplay any potential negative implications of the troop reduction, the decision underscores growing uncertainty in the U.S.–German security relationship.
Against this backdrop, many experts have argued that Germany should assume a stronger leadership role within Europe by acting as a “unifying force” among member states, promoting EU-level investment initiatives, strengthening cooperation among Europe’s largest economies, and supporting projects such as ReArm Europe. Sustaining European cohesion and unity may not only enhance the EU’s collective resilience but also help Germany mitigate the consequences of increasingly fragile transatlantic relations. In this sense, Germany’s pursuit of the “Zeitenwende” is increasingly intertwined with broader efforts to strengthen Europe’s capacity to respond to geopolitical challenges with greater unity and autonomy.
