Greek-German Relations in times of Crisis

Summary:

This essay focuses on Greek-German relations with emphasis on the period of the SY.RIZ.A-Independent Greeks governments in 2015. In particular, it attempts to outline the political dimension of negotiations between Athens and Berlin at the EU level and explore mistakes and opportunities in the bilateral relationship.

The essay starts with a brief analysis of the scapegoating tactics employed by Greek and German politicians from the outbreak of the Greek crisis in October 2009 until the Greek twin elections of 2012 which fueled a negative climate in the media and public discourse. It also deals with the period of rapprochement following the formation of the New Democracy – PA.SO.K and Democratic Left government in June 2012 and explains the reasons the credibility deficit was then relatively restored.

Having already presented the anti-German pre-election rhetoric of the SY.RI.ZA party, the essay then covers the dramatic discussions leading to the Agreekment of 12 July 2015 during which the new Greek government failed to change the German and European approaches of the crisis and landed into reality in an anomalous way. In this part, it pays attention to the role of Finance Ministers Varoufakis and Schäuble, the impact of the Greek referendum on the personal relationship between Premier Tsipras and Chancellor Merkel and potential obstacles that might cause new bilateral disagreements in the future, especially regarding the sustainability of the Greek debt. Finally, the essay brings the significant challenge of migration to the agenda of Greek-German relations and considers this issue a good opportunity for Athens and Berlin to co-operate in a constructive way in the coming years and overcome previous misunderstandings.

• Alternative Source 1