Denmark in Berlin, EU trade agreement, Germany–China competition, EU-Africa relations, Mearsheimer at EU Parliament, Gigabit Act
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the Diplomacy Berlin Newsletter.
Some weeks have a clear narrative running through them, and this one is about Europe trying to find its balance in a world that feels more fragmented by the day. You see it in Germany’s shifting China strategy, in debates about industrial competitiveness, in the push for faster digital infrastructure, and even in the way Europe looks outward to Africa and the Pacific for new partnerships. The common thread is simple: the old economic and geopolitical certainties aren’t coming back, and Europe is learning how to operate without them.
We begin with Denmark’s Council Presidency and a conversation with Mathias Irminger Sonne, who gives a candid look at how a small country uses culture, communication, and honest storytelling to navigate European politics. From there, the economic picture sharpens. Slow growth forecasts, the EU’s new dialogue with the Trans-Pacific bloc, and Germany’s evolving China posture all point to the same reality Europe is rebuilding its leverage in a more competitive global market.
The geopolitical mood is no lighter. John Mearsheimer’s stark warning about Europe’s strategic vulnerabilities lands at a moment when Berlin is rethinking defence, supply chains, and industrial policy all at once. At home, Germany is pushing ahead on long-delayed priorities: digital connectivity through the Gigabit Infrastructure Act and a new circular economy strategy meant to cut waste and reduce reliance on imported materials.
And because diplomacy doesn’t happen in a vacuum, we also mark Independence Day in Panama and Albania reminders that national identity and statehood continue to anchor international politics even as global alliances shift.
It’s a lot to take in, but together these stories show a continent trying to adapt with a bit more clarity and a bit more urgency. Thanks for reading, and let’s get into it.
With best regards,
Sigrid Arteaga
Communication Needs a Certain Aura: Interview with Mathias Irminger Sonne
Mathias Irminger Sonne, 47, worked from 2009 to 2023 as a correspondent for a Danish daily newspaper in Germany. Since 2023, he has been Head of Culture and Communications at the Royal Danish Embassy in Berlin. He lives here with his German partner and their two daughters, Juli and Clara.
Which topics and projects are most important to you at the moment? And how does the EU Council Presidency affect your work?
My work–life balance could definitely be better, of course. The Council Presidency takes up an enormous amount of space. In our department, we work at the intersection of political communication, public diplomacy, and culture. With the Presidency, we want to tell more stories about Denmark — for example, about our willingness to reform and our spirit of experimentation.
We also organize cultural projects, such as exhibitions and events about Danish communities. These range from political festivals to adult education centers and youth institutions that strengthen social cohesion — structures that we consider very valuable for democracy. In terms of content, we communicate about digitalization, healthcare reforms, and above all about the energy transition, one of the main priorities of the Danish Council Presidency.
What does public diplomacy mean to you? How does it differ from classic PR?
Public diplomacy is a much more nebulous term than PR — but that’s what makes it interesting. PR for an entire country is difficult because a country is diverse. In Germany, Denmark already enjoys a good image: holiday memories, Nordic noir crime stories, design, and hygge.
But we don’t just want to show the positive side; we also want to talk about difficult political processes and European challenges. Classic glossy advertising campaigns for countries no longer work today. People want an honest picture.
Which messages are you especially trying to convey right now?
- First: honesty. No pre-packaged “lines to take,” but genuine Danish openness.
- Second: competitiveness and the energy transition — two main priorities. Our motto: The energy transition is competitiveness.
- Third: willingness to reform, a united Europe, and a bit more European self-confidence.
What are you particularly proud of?
That we are seen as an uncomplicated, open embassy. You can call us, have background discussions with our experts, and we share this knowledge far more openly today. And that we are pioneers in the energy transition and communicate this actively.
Sounds like this fulfills you personally as well — carrying a bit of Denmark into Germany?
Absolutely. It gives a sense of purpose — and that’s important for motivating younger colleagues as well.
Europe risks stagnation without new markets - EU–CPTPP talks signal a strategic pivot
The latest Bertelsmann Stiftung policy brief delivers a clear warning: Europe is heading for only moderate growth through 2025, held back by weak investment, low productivity, and the lasting fallout of disrupted supply chains. High financing costs are slowing modernisation, and governments have little fiscal space left to respond. The cause is structural; the effect is a serious risk of long-term stagnation unless Europe broadens its markets, strengthens supply chains, and accelerates tech-driven investment.
That context gives new weight to the EU’s first Trade and Investment Dialogue with the CPTPP bloc in Australia. Together they account for more than a third of global trade, and the agenda—diversification, digital trade, supply-chain resilience—aligns directly with the vulnerabilities highlighted by Bertelsmann. The policy brief makes clear that even optimistic trade scenarios only lift EU GDP by around 0.6%. Still, their strategic value is far greater: they provide insurance in a world of tariffs, geopolitical rivalry, and eroding competitiveness.
For Germany’s export-heavy economy, facing slow spending and hesitant private investment, this isn’t symbolic diplomacy. It is a necessary hedge against shrinking demand and a shifting global order. For the EU as a whole, deeper trade ties may be one of the few levers left to prevent a gradual decline in growth and economic influence.
Read the full policy brief on Bertelsmann Stiftung’s website.
Germany’s policy on China: From win-win to strategic competition
The Atlantic Council’s new report traces how Germany has shifted from its long-standing belief in “Wandel durch Handel”—the idea that trade would encourage China to adopt political and economic reforms—toward a framework framed by strategic competition. Once seen as a path to mutual benefit, Wandel durch Handel is now increasingly viewed as insufficient: German companies face rising political risk in China, from regulatory hurdles to sudden restrictions on foreign investment. Meanwhile, Beijing’s industrial overcapacity in sectors like steel and solar panels is undercutting European manufacturers, and China’s export controls on critical minerals such as rare earths expose vulnerabilities in Germany’s industrial supply chains.
The report argues that Germany now needs a China policy that reduces one-way dependencies while maintaining essential ties for its industrial base. For example, Germany continues to rely on China for batteries and solar technology, but is exploring alternative sources and strengthening domestic production. This tension mirrors a broader European shift, where diversification, industrial security, and coordinated trade policies are becoming central priorities—reflected in the EU’s new Trade and Investment Dialogue with the CPTPP bloc. Together, these efforts signal a Europe striving to rebuild leverage in a world where economic strategy and geopolitical risk are inseparable.
Read more about it on the Atlantic Council’s website.
Why the EU and Africa need each other in a fragmented world?
The European Union (EU) and Africa aren’t just partners by choice anymore—they’re increasingly bound by shared vulnerabilities. As global politics splinters into competing blocs, both regions face pressure on food security, energy access, critical minerals, and migration governance. A recent analysis by the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM) argues for a practical, interest-driven partnership: Europe needs diversified supply chains and geopolitical stability close to home, while African economies require investment, technology, and predictable market access to avoid being drawn into zero-sum competition between major powers.
Concrete cooperation is already visible in Morocco, which has transformed from low-value production into a hub for automotive manufacturing, renewable energy, and critical supply chains linking Europe and West Africa. Morocco’s trajectory demonstrates what a long-term, investment-focused EU–Africa partnership could look like—beyond ad-hoc crisis management. In a crowded and competitive global landscape, the question isn’t whether Europe and Africa need each other, but whether they can build durable cooperation that prevents both regions from being sidelined as the world fragments.
Listen to the full podcast on ECDPM’s website.
John Mearsheimer addresses the European Parliament on the topic of "Europe's Bleak Future"
John Mearsheimer’s address to the European Parliament paints a bleak picture of Europe’s strategic outlook, arguing that the post–Cold War order has collapsed while the continent is still underprepared for a world shaped by great-power rivalry. His core message hits Germany squarely: no European country is more exposed to the consequences of slow rearmament, dwindling defence stockpiles, and economic dependencies that limit strategic freedom. Berlin’s long reliance on US security guarantees, Russian energy, and Chinese markets now looks increasingly fragile. Mearsheimer’s warning lands at a moment when Germany is trying to rebuild its defence industry, diversify supply chains, and redefine its role in Europe’s security architecture. The gap between Germany’s ambitions and its current capabilities is exactly the kind of vulnerability his speech urges Europe to confront.
Watch the full address on The American Conservative’s YouTube Channel.
- As the US-China rivalry redefines economic warfare, Europe scrambles for its dictionary. scmp.com
- US and Ukraine signal peace plan progress after Geneva talks. bbc.com
- Beijing launches historic preservation campaign to cement South China Sea claims. scmp.com
- The New Soft-Power Imbalance: China’s Cautious Response to America’s Retreat. foreignaffairs.com
- What to Know About the Secret U.S.-Russia Peace Plan for Ukraine. foreignpolicy.com
- Is The EU Edging Closer To A „Military Schengen“? – Analysis. eurasiareview.com
- America’s Quasi Alliances: How Washington Should Manage Its Most Complicated Relationships. foreignaffairs.com
Gigabit Infrastructure Act: Europe Pushes for Faster Connectivity
The Gigabit Infrastructure Act is the EU’s attempt to break the slow-build cycle that has held back Europe’s digital competitiveness. It streamlines permits, encourages infrastructure sharing, and aims to cut deployment costs so gigabit networks and 5G can reach businesses and households much faster. The idea is simple: without high-speed connectivity, Europe can’t compete on AI, digital services, or industrial innovation the areas now shaping global power.
For Germany, this hits close to home. No major EU economy has struggled more with drawn-out permits, fragmented local procedures, and delays that keep broadband and 5G rollout years behind leading countries. German industry wants fast networks to modernise factories, run cloud-based systems, and support new defence and mobility technologies, but progress has been slow. The Gigabit Infrastructure Act won’t fix all of Germany’s digital weaknesses, but it gives Berlin a clearer framework — and far fewer excuses to speed up the infrastructure overhaul its economy has needed for a decade.
Know more about the Gigabit Infrastructure Act on European Commission’s website.
The Germany's National Circular Economy Strategy (NCES): Implementation Challenges
Germany’s National Circular Economy Strategy (NCES) sets out an ambitious plan to reduce resource use, cut waste, and shift industry toward products designed to last, repair, and recycle. By promoting stricter eco-design standards and more sustainable consumption, the strategy challenges the old linear model of “take, make, dispose” that has kept emissions and material use high. It recognizes that climate policy alone is not enough—Germany must rethink how goods are produced, used, and disposed of across all sectors.
The main hurdle is execution. While Germany boasts strong environmental credentials on paper, businesses face slow permitting, uneven recycling infrastructure, and fragmented regulations that make scaling circular practices difficult. At the same time, Europe’s push for supply-chain resilience and green industry, from critical minerals to electric mobility, depends on recovering far more materials domestically.
The NCES is a step in the right direction, but its success will determine Germany’s competitiveness in a world where resource efficiency, emissions reduction, and waste management are central to economic security.
Know about the new Circular Economy Strategy Bundesumweltministerium’s website.
If you track how Europe’s landscape is changing, Copernicus Land Monitoring is one of the most valuable resources you can have on your radar. It offers high-quality, open-access satellite data on everything from land use and soil moisture to forest cover and urban expansion. For Germany, this kind of granular observation is becoming essential – the country is dealing with drought cycles, stressed forests, shifting agricultural patterns, and rapid urban growth that all need real-time monitoring to manage well. Copernicus turns these trends into clear, comparable data that policymakers, researchers, and local authorities can actually use. It’s a rare combination of scientific precision and public accessibility, and a must-follow for anyone working on climate, land management, or environmental policy. Visit their website to know more about Copernicus Land Monitoring Service.
Deutsch-Polnische Zukunftsmärkte 2025
The upcoming conference on Deutsch-Polnische Zukunftsmärkte, hosted by the German-Polish Chamber of Industry and Commerce, looks at where the next phase of economic cooperation between Germany and Poland is heading. The focus is on green industry, digitalisation, supply-chain modernization, and the sectors where both economies are already tightly interlinked. With Poland expanding its role as a manufacturing and logistics hub, and Germany pushing for more resilient European production networks, the discussion comes at a moment when both countries are trying to reposition themselves in a more competitive global environment. For policymakers and businesses, it’s a timely snapshot of how the German-Polish partnership is evolving and where the real opportunities are likely to emerge.
Visit the German-Polish Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (AHK Poland) website for updates.
IT Security Trends 2026: Preparing SMEs at the Lithuanian Embassy in Berlin
On 18 November 2025, the Embassy of Lithuania in Berlin hosted the specialist event “IT Security Trends 2026 for SMEs.” The event was organized by SIBB – Digital Business Association Berlin-Brandenburg, which works to raise awareness among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) about emerging cybersecurity challenges.
Lithuania is widely regarded as a European leader in IT security, making the embassy a fitting venue to explore future risks, technological developments, and regulatory changes shaping the cybersecurity landscape. The event focused on three key areas:
1. Emerging Cyber Threats: Participants received insights into current and future attack patterns, including AI-driven threats and increasingly complex cyberattacks that challenge traditional security models.
2. Modern Defense Strategies for SMEs: Experts presented practical approaches such as penetration testing, Security Operations Centers (SOC), and professional incident response, emphasizing how smaller companies can strengthen their resilience.
3. Regulatory Developments such as NIS2: Speakers addressed the impact of new legislation—particularly the NIS2 Directive—and discussed the organizational, technical, and procedural adjustments SMEs need to prepare for.
The event offered practical guidance, actionable recommendations, and direct exchange between businesses, cybersecurity specialists, and political representatives, helping SMEs to navigate the rapidly evolving digital security landscape.
Irma la Douce is the kind of restaurant that wins you over by doing everything with quiet confidence. Tucked off the Ku’damm, it serves modern French cooking without the theatrics precise, generous, and deeply satisfying. The menu changes often, the wine list leans smart rather than showy, and the room has that warm, low-lit charm that makes long dinners feel inevitable. It’s a place for slow conversation, good food, and the sense that Berlin still has corners where craft matters more than hype.
Schömig Porzellan is one of those Berlin ateliers where everything feels considered. The pieces are handmade, light in the hand, and shaped with a precision that never looks stiff. Cups, bowls, vases each one has its own quiet character, the kind that only comes from small-batch craft. The colors stay soft and understated, which makes them easy to mix into any home. If you’re looking for something thoughtful, durable, and genuinely beautiful, this is the sort of place where you find a piece once and keep reaching for it every day.