The German Bundestag has finalized the leadership of its international parliamentary friendship groups, key forums for maintaining dialogue with foreign legislatures. The new appointments, agreed upon by all parliamentary factions, are seen as an important signal for Germany’s approach to bilateral relations in the coming legislative period.

According to information obtained by Deutschlandfunk, the CDU/CSU parliamentary group will now chair several high-profile committees, including the German-French, German-Polish, and German-American parliamentary groups — a move likely to strengthen cooperation with Berlin’s most influential allies.

The Social Democratic Party (SPD) will lead the German-Israeli and German-British groups, reflecting the party’s emphasis on historical responsibility and transatlantic engagement.

In a move drawing attention both at home and abroad, the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) will preside over the German-Chinese, German-Indian, and German-Austrian groups. These assignments come at a time of heightened geopolitical tension and ongoing debates in Berlin about how to balance economic interests with democratic values in relations with Beijing and New Delhi.

Parliamentary friendship groups are cross-party bodies that facilitate informal diplomacy, foster dialogue, and deepen mutual understanding between Germany and partner countries. Their activities often include delegation visits, policy discussions, and cultural exchanges.

The new chairs will be expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Germany’s parliamentary diplomacy a quiet but influential part of the country’s foreign policy machinery. Diplomats, lobbyists, and international observers will be watching closely how these groups navigate a rapidly shifting global order.