At the annual summer celebration of the Alumni Association of the Faculty of Law in Erlangen, Professor Safferling delivered a lecture entitled “Germany and International Law: In Search of Its Own Responsibility”.The lecture took place in the well-attended Wassersaal of the Orangerie in Erlangen.
Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine and the resulting threat to Europe are creating new challenges for the continent’s security situation. The United States’ departure from the Western value system means the loss of a partner that has hitherto been essential.
The security situation in Israel, the war in Gaza and Lebanon, and the bombings of Iran are also placing particular demands on German foreign policy, not least because of Germany’s history in the 20th century.
Germany, situated at the heart of Europe, is still grappling with its own role. Yet a unified European foreign policy is essential to maintaining security and Europe’s economic position in the world. (bk)