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Joschka Fischer: With the AfD in power, the EU will have no future. German rearmament should be a European project

2026-07-11 19:34:03Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Joschka Fischer

Former German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer warns that Germany is facing a historic choice.

He says the country must decide between a nationalist path and a European path. According to him, the European model built after World War II has brought Germany peace and development. Fischer expresses concern that the growth of the AfD party poses a threat to German democracy and the European Union.

He believes that if the AfD comes to power, other countries' trust in Germany will be severely damaged. In the interview, he also talks about German identity and his country's historical responsibility. Fischer emphasizes that the gradual withdrawal of the United States from Europe creates new challenges for the continent's security.

Fischer supports strengthening European defense, but wants Germany's rearmament to be carried out as part of a common European project. According to him, only cooperation between the leading European countries can guarantee stability and security. In this interview, he analyzes the future of Germany, the European Union and relations with Russia.

interview

In your new book you ask: “Who are we?” Why is this question so important?

Joschka Fischer: Germany needs to seriously discuss who it is and what role it should play in Europe. We have two paths ahead of us: a nationalist Germany, which would be a danger to the continent, or a European Germany, like the one built by Konrad Adenauer and which brought over 70 years of peace and prosperity.

Madeleine Albright once said to you: “Joschka, you are very German.” Was she right?

Joschka Fischer: Yes. I was born and raised in Germany. My language, culture and way of thinking are German. Germany is my homeland, but its history makes this connection complicated and filled with mixed feelings.

What makes you feel uncomfortable when talking about Germany?

Joschka Fischer: Historical legacy. German nationalism brought great disasters to Europe. Only after World War II and with American support did Germany become a European democracy and regain the trust of its neighbors.

How do you see the situation today?

Joschka Fischer: America is gradually withdrawing from Europe. This makes the continent more insecure and risks a return to nationalism. For Germany, this is an even greater risk because of its history.

Is there a risk that Germany will return to a situation similar to the Weimar Republic?

Joschka Fischer: Not in the same way. But there is a risk that the ties between European countries will weaken and each country will pursue its own national interests. For Germany, that would be very dangerous.

You wrote that the unification of Germany was not accompanied by a debate about national identity. What do you mean?

Joschka Fischer: There was only talk of the economy, money and infrastructure. No common national narrative was built. The question “Who are we?” was not discussed. This gap was later exploited by the right.

How can East Germany be persuaded not to follow the path of nationalism?

Joschka Fischer: This takes time. Young generations need to grow up with the European spirit and with programs like Erasmus. The economic differences between East and West also need to be reduced.

Are you concerned about the possibility of the AfD entering the federal government?

Joschka Fischer: Yes. It would be a blow to German democracy. Other countries' trust in Germany would drop significantly. If the AfD were to govern the largest country in the European Union, the future of the EU would be seriously jeopardized.

What consequences would this have for Europe?

Joschka Fischer: Relations with France and Italy would deteriorate. Without Franco-German cooperation, there cannot be a strong Europe.

Germany is investing heavily in strengthening its military. Does this worry you?

Joschka Fischer: Rearmament is necessary, but it should not be just a German project. It should become part of a European defense project, with common structures and joint decision-making.

Is NATO in danger of weakening?

Joschka Fischer: If the United States leaves, Europeans must build a stronger European pillar within NATO and strengthen defense cooperation.

In your book you say that the Trump administration wants a nationalist political change in Europe. Why?

Joschka Fischer: This is what the supporters of the MAGA movement want. The speech of the US vice president in Munich clearly showed this political direction.

Do you think Italy should have a greater role in European defense?

Joschka Fischer: Yes. Italy is an important country in strategic, political and technological terms. It should be part of the European leadership in security matters.

Can other countries still trust Germany?

Joschka Fischer: Trust must be maintained very carefully. After World War II, Germany earned this trust with great effort. An AfD government would seriously jeopardize this achievement.

Should we negotiate with Vladimir Putin?

Joschka Fischer: Dialogue is always possible, but only if Russia gives up its maximalist demands and the violence stops. There can be no serious negotiations while the aggression against Ukraine continues./ Interview with Paolo Valentino, Corriera della Sera


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