Big Bang helyett regatta –Változik-e Merkellel a német EU-politika?
A regatta instead of a Big Bang: Will German foreign policy change under Merkel?

Summary/Abstract: During the EU summit meeting of heads of state and government last December in Brussels, recently elected German Chancellor Angela Merkel emerged literally overnight as the new ray of hope in European politics. Through skilfully handling several talks she promoted a compromise in the union’s financial planning until 2013 – and, in typical German fashion, finally offered several hundred euros to reach an agreement. Le Monde lauded “le ton Merkel,” while British and American commentators welcomed the break from the style of former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. While it was generally believed that her predecessor preferred tête-à-tête talks with French President Jacques Chirac, Merkel sought contact with smaller EU members. And while Schröder on occasion travelled to visit President Vladimir Putin in Moscow by stopping in Warsaw without interrupting his trip, Merkel was careful to pay a visit to the Polish leadership before looking up Putin. There is a new style and a new tone; but has the essence and the substance changed as well? This is the question the Brussels correspondent of Die Zeit seeks to answer.

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