The Irish Times view on German-Irish relations

When Germany’s traffic light coalition marked its first anniversary in office last Thursday, one of its leading Green members was in Dublin. Foreign minister Annalena Baerbock, on her inaugural visit, was taken by her Irish host Simon Coveney to the Operation Shamrock memorial at the Leeson Street entrance to Dublin’s St Stephen’s Green.

The Three Fates fountain, a gift from West Germany in 1956, recalls the postwar scheme that brought hundreds of children – in particular from the ruins of Germany – to Ireland. That is just one of the ties Coveney highlighted that bind Germany and Ireland, on the centenary of the foundation of State and the half-centenary of its accession to what today is the European Union.

The consequences of the UK’s departure from the union was a key focus of the German minister’s visit. Baerbock’s expression of support for Dublin’s position – that peace in Northern Ireland should “in no way be put at risk” – was a sign of continuity with the previous administration.

Coveney and his department have prioritised a close working relationship with Berlin: first with Angela Merkel and now the three-way alliance of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), Greens and liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP).

‘I’m alone pretty much all the time. The older I become, the less hopeful I am this will change’

---

Brazilian Deliveroo rider who intervened in Parnell Square attack: ‘I had time to think about what my purpose in life is’

---

The least famous best player the NBA has ever had: ‘I really wish nobody knows me’

---

Look inside: Regency villa near Monkstown seafront for €3.75m

---

A year after it took office, promising politics shaped by ideas of “freedom, social justice and sustainability”, the Berlin coalition’s aims and energy have redirected into responding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – and the many knock-on effects. Facing unprecedented challenges, the new Berlin coalition is responding increasingly quickly and confidently – but the capacity-sapping conflict means it is less far down the road on other priorities, such as its ambitious EU reform agenda.

Coalition conflicts loom in the new year, such as whether or not a constitutional court ruling has opened the door for further EU stimulus programmes financed by Brussels-issued debt.

Pursuing closer ties with Berlin – on EU policy, green energy, cultural co-operation and beyond – must remain a key commitment in Iveagh House and across Government.