German Elections 2025:
Charting Europe’s Political and Economic Future

On March 5, 2025, the ESCP Geopolitics Institute hosted a Webinar entitled “German Elections: Consequences for Europe and the Economy.” With Berlin’s political parties negotiating a new coalition after the snap elections of February 23, experts gathered to assess how the coming government could reshape Europe’s strategic agenda.

Co-hosted by Professors Maxime Lefebvre and Vanessa Strauss-Kahn, the Institute welcomed three distinguished speakers:

  • Joachim Bitterlich (Affiliate Professor at ESCP, former advisor on diplomacy, security, and European affairs to Chancellor Helmut Kohl
  • Claire Demesmay (Professor at Sciences Po, Associate Researcher at the Marc Bloch Center in Berlin)
  • Axel Rückert (Former McKinsey consultant, author on Franco-German relations)

Key Discussion Highlights

  1. Coalition Dynamics
    The panel considered likely policy compromises around fiscal rules, infrastructure spending, and social reforms. Drawing on his experience in high-level diplomacy, Joachim Bitterlich argued that tensions between economic competitiveness and social welfare could challenge the new coalition.
  2. Defense and Geopolitics
    Germany’s push for increased defense spending and the broader debate on European strategic autonomy were central topics. Claire Demesmay underscored the importance of transatlantic ties, while pointing out the nuances of German public opinion on military engagement, as well as the concerns from some European countries regarding a significant increase in German military capabilities.
  3. Economic Outlook
    Axel Rückert highlighted the Mittelstand’s challenges in a shifting global economy—especially concerning energy costs, demographic pressures, and technological adaptation. Participants explored how immigration could address labor shortages but also fuel political debate.
  4. European Implications
    All speakers emphasized that Germany’s political transition goes far beyond national borders, affecting EU cohesion, the Franco-German engine, and responses to U.S.-China rivalries. The potential for new leadership on issues like defense procurement and industrial policy was seen as a significant opportunity for the EU.

Watch the Replay

A full replay of the event (in French)
is available here:

Stay tuned for more events and publications from the ESCP Geopolitics Institute, where we analyze economic and geopolitical trends shaping Europe and the world.

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