As geopolitical tensions, economic competition, and climate disruptions intensify, Europe faces growing pressure to strengthen its resilience and strategic autonomy. In this context, Germany’s leadership will be decisive in shaping a more secure, competitive, and climate-resilient European Union. 

This publication, Germany’s To-Do List for a Geostrategic Europe, outlines 20 key actions the next German government can champion to help transform the EU into a unified geostrategic actor. Developed by a taskforce of leading European experts in defence, economic policy, finance, and climate security who bring the perspective from from 10 different EU member states, the report presents a forward-looking agenda that Germany can support to align Europe’s industrial, financial, and diplomatic tools with today’s geopolitical realities. 

The next government has a historic opportunity to shape Europe's development in a time of global upheaval so that it can act as a self-determined geopolitical player. This requires a bold ambition along four key pillars:  

1. Coordination of spending, foreign and economic policy: Strategic industries and technologies must be specifically promoted to secure competitive advantages through an active industrial policy.  

2. Mobilisation of public financial resources: To derisk private investment, European financing options must be expanded, and tax expenditure, lending and foreign direct investment must be consistently aligned with geostrategic priorities.   

3. Strengthening domestic demand and production: Robust domestic demand and local manufacturing capacity are crucial to reducing external dependencies and consolidating Europe's industrial autonomy.

4. Developing strategic capacities: Adapted governance and processes can make decision-making structures more flexible, enable strategic foresight and strengthen Europe's resilience to external shocks.