{"id":2545,"date":"2021-02-22T15:03:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-22T14:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dpz.medienlabor-hosting.de\/?post_type=publication&p=2545"},"modified":"2022-11-22T11:42:54","modified_gmt":"2022-11-22T10:42:54","slug":"new-progressive-ostpolitik-for-europe","status":"publish","type":"publication","link":"https:\/\/www.progressives-zentrum.org\/en\/publication\/new-progressive-ostpolitik-for-europe\/","title":{"rendered":"New Progressive Ostpolitik for Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Summary<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This Discussion Paper takes a closer look at the current challenges of the European foreign policy vis-\u00e0-vis Russia and sketches a vision for a new generation of Ostpolitik, aiming at organizing European unity as well as strengthening the EU\u2019s strategic alliances in Eastern Europe and across the Atlantic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inspired by the 50th anniversary of Willy Brandt\u2019s historical gesture in Warsaw, the so-called \u201cWarsaw genuflection\u201d, we reflect upon the principles of his original strategy towards the Eastern Bloc. Which of these principles could guide us today in search of a new progressive Ostpolitik? We recognize that the world has significantly changed: the \u201cCold War\u201d and the ideological rivalry between Russia and the United States has passed. Today, we live in a far more fragmented political reality, with new challenges, such as cyber warfare. Looking at what is happening inside the EU, just outside of its borders and with regards to a new reality in transatlantic relations, one thing is clear: the need for a new generation of Ostpolitik<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Take-Aways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The complexity of today\u2019s situation should not discourage us from thinking bold. We advocate for \u201cdaring more democracy\u201d in shaping Europe\u2019s Eastern policy, both when it comes to defending values as well as engaging more with society. In other words: being ambitious, but not naive.<\/strong> The task is to combine the value-driven approach with progressive pragmatism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In particular, we call for:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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  • A Value-based Foreign Policy: <\/strong>Contesting malign activities of Putin\u2019s Russia, be it the annexations in Ukraine or Georgia or the support of recent actions by Alexander Lukashenko in Belarus;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Striving for European Unity:<\/strong> organizing and mobilizing the European community around common goals in foreign policy;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Assuming Responsibility in the Neighborhood:<\/strong> Recognizing the EU\u2019s moral duty to revitalize the Eastern Partnership and support the defence of human rights and civil liberties in Eastern Europe;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Normalization through Dialogue: <\/strong>Striving for a principle-based exchange in the countries of Eastern Partnership and Russia on two levels: with political leaders and civil society.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    The underlying principle of the new Ostpolitik<\/em> should be that it is not exclusively a German project but a European initiative, with equal engagement of all member states as well as inclusion of the EU\u2019s Eastern neighbourhood. Eastern policy cannot be developed in a void: it needs to be embedded into the framework of existing alliances and neighbourhood policies and a broader consensus of all EU states is required. The next Ostpolitik<\/em> must be a European one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Background: Celebrating 50 Years of the \u201eKniefall von Warschau\u201c<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    In 2020, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Willy Brandt\u2019s historical gesture in Warsaw, a symbol of reconciliation and dialogue between the East and the West. This publication draws upon the main arguments and conclusions met during an international roundtable held online, on December 8th, 2020, debating the heritage of Brandt\u2019s Ostpolitik<\/em>. The event hosted Aleksander Kwa\u015bniewski<\/strong>, the former President of Poland; Kati Piri<\/strong>, MEP and Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs; Max Bergmann<\/strong>, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress and Liana Fix<\/strong>, Head of International Politics, K\u00f6rber-Stiftung. This paper was inspired by that lively debate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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