Details
13th Adenauer Conference - Livestream
Europe’s security environment remains volatile. Russia continues to build up its military capabilities on a massive scale and is testing the resolve of the transatlantic alliance by employing hybrid warfare against European NATO partners. At the same time, recent military conflicts in the Middle East have increased the risk of further regional destabilisation and are demanding additional attention in terms of security policy. The US is increasingly focusing its strategic attention on its own continent and the Indo-Pacific. At the same time, Russia, China, Iran and North Korea are stepping up their efforts to destabilise the West.
In 2026, Konrad Adenauer would have turned 150. Adenauer’s guiding principles – which, in addition to anchoring Germany in the West, included in particular the development of Europe’s capacity for action and the importance of reliable partnerships – continue to shape the framework of foreign policy, especially in these times of global uncertainty. His warning from 1950 seems more relevant today than ever: “What does Europe live on? It lives by the grace of the United States. That, too, will not always remain so. One day the moment will come – and must come – when this Europe can once again help itself and must stand on its own two feet.”
In this anniversary year, we wish to use the 13th Adenauer Conference to take a look at the changed reality of Europe’s foreign and security policy. How must German foreign policy respond to this? Which alliances and partnerships are crucial for a more capable and independent Europe – and how can European values be reconciled with security policy realities? What results have been achieved in the first year of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government? How do they contribute to Europe’s independence? Where do dependencies still exist, and where does the Federal Government see the greatest challenges in the coming years?
We are delighted to welcome the German Foreign Minister, Dr Johann Wadephul, Member of the Bundestag, to discuss an eventful year in foreign policy and to take a look at the Federal Government’s future priorities in foreign and European policy.
Agenda
15:00 : Welcome
Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer
Chair of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation
15:10 : A world in uncertainty: Europe’s moment
Dr. Johann David Wadephul, MdB
Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs
15:30 : Moderated discussion with the Foreign Minister
Dr Johann David Wadephul, Member of the German Bundestag
Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs
Moderator:
Dr Anna Sauerbrey
Foreign Policy Coordinator at *Die Zeit*
16:00 : Panel discussion: ‘What form should German foreign policy take to ensure a defensible and independent Europe?’
The reality of Europe’s foreign and security policy has changed fundamentally in recent years. In light of this, how should German foreign policy be adapted and reoriented? Which alliances or coalitions are important for a more independent Europe, and which strategic partners should Germany and the EU focus on? Where – and how – can European values and security policy realities be reconciled? We intend to discuss these questions with our panellists.
Tanja Gönner
Chief Executive, Federation of German Industries (BDI)
Dr Jana Puglierin
Senior Policy Fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)
Roland Theis, MdB
Member of the German Bundestag
Moderator:
Dr Christina Krause
Head of International Politics and Security, Konrad Adenauer Foundation
