steinmeier Urges Europe to Embrace Innovation, Cites London as Model for Competitiveness
Europe must redefine its role on the global stage and rediscover its self-confidence, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier declared Thursday, calling on the continent to emulate the innovative spirit of the City of London. The remarks came during a banquet at the historic Guildhall, capping the second day of his three-day state visit to the United Kingdom – the first by a German president in 27 years.
Steinmeier,accompanied by his wife Elke Budenbender,addressed a gathering of business leaders and dignitaries,emphasizing the need for Europe to counter a growing narrative of decline. “In future, we Europeans can only be strong if we redefine our role and discover a new self-confidence,” he stated. He lauded Europe’s existing strengths – its “capital, talent, infrastructure… legal certainty” – but stressed the urgency of catching up in the digital economy.
The German head of state specifically pointed to the City of London as a potential source of inspiration. “The City of London can show us how to do it!” he asserted, highlighting the financial district’s reputation for innovation.
This visit marks a important shift in tone from Steinmeier, who previously served as Germany’s foreign minister during the 2016 Brexit referendum and was critical of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union. Now, he has publicly embraced the warming ties between London and European capitals.
Earlier in the day, Steinmeier engaged in a series of diplomatic meetings, from Parliament to the Victoria and Albert Museum. During a speech in Parliament’s royal gallery, he acknowledged the initial disappointment following Brexit, but urged both sides to move forward.”Don’t look back in anger, as one of the most famous songs by Oasis puts it so well,” he told Members of Parliament, drawing a parallel to the famously fractious relationship between the band’s former members, Liam and Noel Gallagher.
He further elaborated on this theme, noting the recent reunion of the Oasis brothers and their triumphant tour. “Cool Britannia is alive! Our relations may have changed, but, my dear Britons, our love remains,” Steinmeier said. “So let us look not to the past, but rather together to the future.”
The renewed focus on cooperation is underscored by the Kensington Treaty, signed in July, which strengthens security and defense collaboration between Germany and the UK. The first EU-UK summit since Brexit,held in May,also aimed to reduce trade barriers. Concrete initiatives include a planned German-british electricity interconnector, slated for completion in 2028, and agreements to facilitate youth mobility.
The shift towards stronger ties has been accelerated by the geopolitical landscape, particularly russia’s invasion of Ukraine in february 2022, which triggered the largest conflict on the European continent as World War II.
Steinmeier’s state visit follows a reciprocal trip to Germany by King Charles III in March 2023, his first overseas engagement as monarch and the first by a British monarch in over a decade. On Wednesday, King Charles hosted Steinmeier at a banquet at windsor castle, where both leaders reaffirmed the enduring bonds between their nations.
The visit will conclude on Friday in Coventry, a city heavily damaged during World War II, with a joint remembrance ceremony involving British and German air force personnel. This event serves as a poignant reminder of the shared history and the
