This chapter focuses on Germany-European Union (EU) relations, and on how these have played out during the Scholz government, as well as during the 2025 election campaign. Reflecting on the indispensable role of Germany for the EU, we trace how major political crises, from the residual pandemic effects to the war in Ukraine and its socio-economic effects, have shaped Germany’s European policy and its relations to the EU, and how they are discussed in domestic public spheres leading up to the 2025 elections. Special attention will be paid to the rise of the opposition Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) party as a Eurosceptic party, and its growing electoral fortunes. Finally, the chapter reflects on Germany’s future relations with the EU.
