I was very lucky, as a diplomat from the Netherlands, to get an up-close look at Germany thanks to the Diplomatenkolleg. This ranged from sitting in on a morning editorial meeting at Die Welt newspaper to attending a luncheon hosted by Minister of State Krichbaum. The programme gave us an in-depth introduction to Berlin as a political hub. Discussions at the German Bundestag and the Federal Ministries, as well as with media outlets, think tanks and interest groups helped us gain a thorough impression of the bustling centre of German politics.

However, to truly understand Germany, you must also venture beyond Berlin. Our trips to Land Baden-Württemberg, the Free State of Thuringia and Land Brandenburg broadened our perspective on the country. They showed us how history and geography gave rise to regional differences that endure to this day. From the German-Polish centre for police cooperation located on the eastern border to a visit to STIHL in Stuttgart, the programme impressively showcased the country’s diversity.

Against this background, there was one throughline to the programme: How is Germany positioning itself in the midst of a rapidly transforming world order? And what role will the new German Government assume in this regard? In nearly all of our discussions, the same challenges were mentioned: There is a war on the European continent, and we face increasing threats to our security, deepening political fault lines, as well as an ever more unpredictable economy and ever greater antidemocratic pressure.
These developments are forcing Germany to make major decisions. Long-standing conventions and dogmas are being reassessed: The debt brake has been loosened, a hitherto unknown amount will be invested in defence, and even German bureaucracy is set to undergo extensive reform.

In the course of the programme, besides noting these challenges, we were also able to identify where Germany’s strengths lie: The country is increasingly aware of the geopolitical situation, it is engaged in active diplomacy, has strong and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises and has an excellent research sector and a strongly committed civil society. Thanks to this foundation, Germany is in a position to meet these challenges.

Yet the country cannot successfully tackle these tasks on its own. The Netherlands, as Germany’s neighbour and one of its closest partners – its third-largest trade partner, second-largest investor and a close military ally – knows this all too well. Successful cooperation can exist only where there is mutual understanding. This is precisely where the Diplomatenkolleg comes in. Thanks to the programme, junior diplomats are not only able to follow developments and opinions in Germany, but can also truly understand them.

At least equally valuable was the opportunity to get to know and engage in discussions with the other participants, who all contributed their own points of view. Outside of the days that were packed with programme activities, there was time to have informal discussions and to enjoy meals together. These more relaxed settings not only lightened things up – as proven by spontaneous karaoke singing – but also helped forge strong professional ties and friendships.

I am most grateful to the Federal Foreign Office for providing us with this opportunity. My particular thanks go to Ambassador Hans-Jürgen Heimsoeth, programme coordinator Helen Klaes and the entire team – Michael Schultheiß, Elias-Étienne Reuter and Canalp Woelke – who through their diligence and strong commitment made the Diplomatenkolleg a great success.

Laurens Kymmell