Embassy of Germany in Washington, D.C.

Die Bundestagswahl 2025 rückt näher! Voraussichtlich am 23. Februar 2025 öffnen in Deutschland die Wahllokale. Auch wenn Sie dauerhaft im Ausland leben, können Sie an der Wahl teilnehmen – mit Briefwahl. 🗳️ Vergessen Sie bitte nicht, sich rechtzeitig dafür anzumelden - denn: Ihre Stimme zählt! 👉 Weitere Informationen finden Sie hier: https://ow.ly/fVom50UsTr2

Today, Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke on the phone with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. The conversation focused on the security policy challenges in Europe. They agreed that the Russian war against #Ukraine has gone on for far too long and that it is important to get on the path to a fair, just and sustainable peace as soon as possible. The Chancellor reiterated that Germany will continue to support Ukraine in its defense against Russia's war of aggression for as long as necessary.

Germany and the U.S. deepen their collaboration in computational neuroscience! Understanding the human brain is key to unlocking better prevention and treatment of neurological diseases, enhancing learning strategies, and developing groundbreaking technologies like artificial intelligence. 🇩🇪🇺🇸 Since 2009, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Germany (BMBF) and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) have joined forces to drive progress in computational neuroscience—an interdisciplinary field combining computer science, biology, physics, engineering, and behavioral sciences. Over 90 German-American research collaborations have already pushed the boundaries of what we know about the brain's structure and function. Today’s signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks the next chapter of this vital partnership, ensuring support for joint research projects over the next five years. Together, we will continue to generate new expertise, foster innovation, and strengthen international collaboration in brain research. #GermanAmericanPartnership #BrainResearch #ComputationalNeuroscience #Innovation #ScienceDiplomacy

What's going on in Germany? 🤔 German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has lost a vote of confidence in the German parliament, paving the way for early elections. What does this mean for the German government in the coming weeks? We broke it down for you. ➡️ If you are a German citizen in the US, find more information on how to vote here: https://ow.ly/lzJx50UsQZQ

Honoring the 75th Anniversary of the Berlin Airlift 🇩🇪✈️🇺🇸 This week, many participated in the annual commemoration at Dare County Regional Airport in Manteo, NC, orchestrated by the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation. The Berlin Airlift was a lifeline for the people of Berlin, delivering tons of essential supplies and candy to children from June 1948 to September 1949. It was also a powerful beacon of hope in era of a divided Germany. We are extremely grateful to the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation for their dedication in preserving this incredible chapter of history and for continuing to foster German-American exchange. T #BerlinAirlift75 Despite weather challenges, they were able to still bring excitement and joy to the children with an improvised candy drop from the cockpit of the historic "Spirit of Freedom" aircraft. A huge thank you to

This month: Germany and the United States called for a peaceful political transition following the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, Minister Baerbock met with her counterpart Secretary Blinken at the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting in Brussels, and Minister Baerbock addressed critical global issues on her visit to China. Here at the Embassy, we began celebrating the holiday season. And Ambassador Michaelis joined BlueSky — be sure to follow him at @germanambusa.bsky.social for the latest on U.S.-German relations! For more on these and other key political developments, both domestic and international, be sure to check out this edition of “Germany for Americans.”

Here at the Embassy, we are excited to announce that Ambassador Michaelis has joined BlueSky! 🦋 Ambassador Michaelis is broadening his horizons and exploring the growing community on BlueSky. As the German Ambassador to the United States, he will be sharing updates and insights on the transatlantic partnership, diplomacy in action, and a bit of his life behind the scenes with followers. Be sure to follow his account for the latest on U.S.-German relations: https://lnkd.in/gYS-2cKM

Germany is leading the charge in Europe's defense. With an $8 billion commitment to Ukraine in 2024 and over 16,000 soldiers trained, we are empowering Ukraine to secure its future and strengthening NATO's unity. We are also helping Ukraine protect its skies: We set up the Immediate Action on Air Defense and provided Ukraine with three Patriot systems, a quarter of our Patriot capacity. Last month, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius broke ground on the expansion of a missile production facility in Schrobenhausen, Germany, which will become Europe's first plant dedicated to producing Patriot missiles. Germany is also procuring 35 F-35 jets from the U.S. These projects are all signals of Germany's commitment to fortifying its defense industry and ensuring long-term air defense readiness. Together, we build a safer, stronger Europe. #WeInvestInFreedom

Germany is fully aligned with the United States in advocating for a peaceful and orderly transition in Syria. This week, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock outlined eight points that international coordination on the situation in #Syria should evolve around: ➡️ First, the handover of power in Syria must be peaceful. A legitimate, civilian government will only succeed and be accepted by all sides if ethnic and religious minorities are at the table. There need to be free elections in Syria at the end of the road. ➡️ Second, Syria must not once again become a pawn in the hands of foreign powers. Together with our partners, we support a Syrian-owned inclusive dialogue that builds on UN Resolution 2254. All outside attempts to interfere in this process must be prevented. ➡️ Third, HTS is one of the actors which will determine the future of Syria. We will judge them by their actions. The protection of minorities, respect for women’s rights and refraining from acts of vengeance is a prerequisite for any cooperation. ➡️ Fourth, we are coordinating closely with UN World Food Programme WFP, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and others to help alleviate the humanitarian situation and look at instruments to support the Syrian people to rebuild their country. ➡️ Fifth, almost 14 years of civil war have left deep wounds. It takes courage, time and strength to come to terms with injustice. By applying universal jurisdiction, Germany already sent a strong signal against impunity. We stand ready to share our expertise. ➡️ Sixth, we have the opportunity to make the world a safer place and completely destroy Assad’s chemical weapons - preferably under the supervision of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Germany stands ready to assist. ➡️ Seventh, we have always maintained our channels of communication with Syrian civil society. Now it is time to expand our presence in Syria. Our new Special Coordinator for Syria will hold talks with actors in the region. ➡️ Eigth, we are convinced that a return of refugees to Syria is only possible if it is voluntary, secure and dignified. International coordination is key here - with our EU partners, Syria's neighbors, IOM - UN Migration and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency .

🇩🇪🇫🇷🇪🇸🇵🇱🇬🇧🇮🇹🇺🇦🇪🇺 stand united for a just, lasting peace and for ironclad security guarantees for #Ukraine. Today, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock hosted her counterparts in Berlin, where they agreed on the Berlin Declaration. It reaffirms: ➡️ continued support for Ukraine on its irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership. ➡️ stepped up military, economic and financial aid to Ukraine, including through additional European funding. ➡️ support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law Read more here: https://ow.ly/hp7I50Uq5fZ