Part of the EU’s political aim in Europe has always been to contain a strong Germany in the middle of Europe. As a lesson from WW II and the ensuing Cold War European integration intended to make Germany part of a transnational political construct which through economic and political interdependence would guarantee that a war within Europe is impossible any longer. The fiscal-financial crisis in Europe and the Eurozone has challenged this concept fundamentally. Germany’s economic power in combination with its pronounced stance in the debate of how to deal with the crisis made it a particularly significant and powerful actor. However, decision-making processes in the EU have become less consensual and Germany’s visible increase of influence has met with different reactions. Germany’s evolving new role in Europe has been commented in various ways. Critical voices have been heard but also calls and requests for taking the initiative are among these positions, while concepts such as German semi-hegemony or reluctant hegemony entered the academic debate on Germany. However, these impressions are just snap shots. We miss an overall picture of how Germany’s changing role in the EU is perceived by elites and populations of other countries.

The panel brings together experts on German and European studies from various countries. The perceptions of Germany’s new role in Europe are presented to allow for a comparison and mutual confrontation of perspectives. The panel builds on the network of centers for German and European studies, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).