Germany » International Relations

The Germany's Relations with International Community

Germany has participated as a leading role in the European Union since its beginning and has sustained a strong association with France since the end of World War II. The association was particularly close in the late 1980s and early 1990s under the directorship of Christian Democrat Helmut Kohl and Socialist Francois Mitterrand. Germany is at the forefront of European states seeking to advance the creation of a more combined and proficient European political, defence and security systems. Following reunification Germany has sought to strengthen its relations with Eastern Europe and Russia. Particular emphasis has been placed on fostering Germany’s relationship with Poland. After re-unification, Germany signed a treaty with Poland recognising its external borders. The British community in Germany is approximately 141,000. The British Embassy in Berlin runs tours of the building for organised groups (pre-booking essential).

Trade and Investment with UK

Germany is the UK’s second largest export market global and the largest in Europe. Exports to Germany in 2005 totalled £22.90bn (£18.35bn, Jan-Aug 2006), with UK imports from Germany totalling £37.51bn (£26.23bn, Jan-Aug 2006). The UK is Germany’s fifth largest importer. UK export success in Germany covers a broad field, including machinery, vehicles, oil, aircraft and chemicals. Both countries are also major investors in each other. At th same time the UK is the third largest export market for German goods.