The German Green Party is intensifying its criticism of the federal government’s approach to the Trump administration’s actions in Venezuela and urging a more proactive strategy to prepare for a potential decline in the significance of the transatlantic relationship. A motion, slated for parliamentary approval this week and reported by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, accuses the current government of timidity and a detrimental reliance on appeasement.
The motion argues that Germany’s commitment to “transatlantic values” necessitates a more assertive stance, particularly when confronted with perceived intimidation tactics from the U.S. President and his administration. While acknowledging the potential for continued cooperation with the United States on issues where it remains mutually beneficial, the Greens insist this collaboration must be predicated on fairness and a sober assessment of evolving geopolitical realities.
Critically, the document calls for the German government to “act decisively” to enhance the strategic independence of Germany and Europe, even within the context of an increasingly precarious transatlantic partnership. It demands the presentation of a pan-European “Transatlantikstrategie” – a transatlantic strategy – which explicitly accounts for the shifting political landscape in the United States and outlines concrete measures designed to bolster European resilience and autonomy.
Specifically referencing the U.S. intervention in Venezuela, the Green Party’s motion directly challenges the federal government’s cautious response. It declares that American actions in Venezuela “clearly violated international law” and presses the government to collaboratively develop appropriate consequences with European partners, particularly in response to Washington’s increasingly aggressive rhetoric directed at allies like Denmark concerning Greenland.
The motion’s authors contend that the German government’s prior response to President Trump’s policies has been characterized by “restraint and a strategic attempt to ingratiate itself” – a posture they deem unsustainable and ultimately counterproductive. Such an approach, they argue, merely amplifies dependencies and renders Germany susceptible to coercion.
Deborah Düring, Green Party spokesperson for foreign affairs, accused the German government of “reality denial” in its handling of the Trump presidency. “Those who believe they can hide and hope the nightmare ends while Trump dismantles the international order are dangerously mistaken” she stated. Düring emphasized the necessity of a stronger, more assertive response and framed the Green Party’s motion as a direct challenge to the perceived leadership vacuum within the governing coalition. The proposal represents a significant escalation in the internal political debate surrounding Germany’s relationship with the United States.