Edition 2025 | peace report

statement

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Peace today is in a precarious state. As a political concept, it seems to have been pushed to its limits, if not shattered by Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine. Trust in the fundamental security institutions that have maintained the European peace order has been severely undermined. The United Nations, once a beacon of hope for peace and security, has been eroded, becoming an arena for great power politics rife with cynicism. From every corner of the globe, there are calls for greater security, deterrence and arms. But this alone cannot save peace—so what, or who will?

Recommendations

Close the gaps in European defense capabilities

Furthering the political consolidation and strengthening the capabilities of European defense is paramount. Defense procurement must be Europeanized and defense strategies modernized.

Deepen European defense integration

One vital step that would help strengthen Europe’s defense capabilities would be for a designated group of member states to lead the way wherever necessary, with the ultimate goal of embedding this structure into the institutional framework of the EU.

Use arms control to prevent spirals of escalation

Strengthening Europe’s defense must go hand in hand with diplomatic initiatives to mitigate the risk of escalation. This includes renouncing first-use options, limiting the number of weapons systems, and establishing reliable communication channels.

Increase our commitment to the rules-based order

Europe is not an island, but part of a global community with partners across all regions of the world who can play a vital role in preserving the rules-based order. However, these partners must be able to rely on Europe to demonstrate a stronger commitment to this cause and greater willingness to drive the necessary reforms.

Respect international courts

In a rules-based international order, Germany, too, must uphold the principle that international law takes precedence over raison d’état or Staatsräson (reason of state). This means that, for the foreseeable future, Germany must refrain from endorsing or permitting an official visit from Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Ban the export of weapons that might be used to violate international humanitarian law

Germany must enforce a ban on exports to Israel of any weapons and armaments—such as small arms, light weapons, ammunition, and tank transmission systems—that could be used in Gaza or the West Bank.

Develop a refugee policy guided by humanity and fair burden-sharing

The German government must advocate an EU immigration and dispersal policy based on solidarity, ensuring that first asylum countries are not left to shoulder the burden alone. The individual right to protection from persecution and threat to life must be upheld.

Do not lose sight of the “forgotten conflicts”

Purely geopolitical strategic thinking fosters global instability and contradicts the principles of humanity and universality. Germany’s and Europe’s commitment to crisis regions, such as those in sub-Saharan Africa or South and Southeast Asia, must not be scaled back.

Continue to enhance the effectiveness of civilian tools

The global peace order requires effective development cooperation and substantial resources for crisis prevention and stabilization. Existing impact measurement tools need to be further developed to enhance their effectiveness.