Berlin welcomed us with cold and frosty weather, a marked contrast to the heated atmosphere of the final stages of the campaign for the early Bundestag elections. We were given a very special opportunity to experience the elections in Germany up close. And it quickly became clear that virtually every domestic issue also has a foreign policy dimension. Be it migration, energy prices or climate change – Germany cannot overcome any of these challenges on its own, but only in close cooperation with partners both in Europe and farther afield.

In 2022, “Zeitenwende”, meaning watershed or a new era, was voted German word of the year. But there is often a huge gap between words and actions. Not until early 2025 did we truly realise that a radical rethink goes way beyond issues relating to the defence budget. This was the common thread running through almost all the conversations we had in Berlin, Brussels and Munich.There are decades in which seemingly nothing happens, and weeks which hold the stuff of decades. That’s exactly how our three weeks in Berlin felt. The news was coming thick and fast, and the tension was quite palpable in our discussions.

Konrad Adenauer warned as early as 1950 that Europe could not depend on the United States’ grace for ever. Sooner or later, the time would come when Europe would have to stand on its own two feet. How to achieve this unity in a Europe challenged day in, day out by right wing and left wing populists was, however, unclear. Germany should undoubtedly play a key role – that was the clear message of the questions and comments from participants. Europe and the world were looking to Germany with the hope that it would remain an anchor of stability in this turbulent geopolitical situation and keep up its commitment to preserving the rules based order.

For me personally, the seminar gave an impressive indication of how important strong institutions and inspiring figures are. Their special value lies in the fact that they do not isolate themselves, but enter into an open dialogue. Thanks to the excellent work of the entire organising team, the 48th Executive Seminar for International Diplomats provided a unique space for just such a dialogue with diplomats from all around the world.We left Berlin at a time when transatlantic relations were facing what was probably their toughest test since the end of the Second World War. But we did so with the confidence that is deeply rooted in this city: confidence that even the greatest divisions can be overcome.

Marianna Dudášová