Abwesend in Brüssel: Wie oft deutsche Minister bei EU-Treffen fehlen

In the first 14 months of his government, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has failed to significantly improve the attendance rate of federal ministers at European Union ministerial meetings, according to an analysis conducted by the ARD Studio Brussels. The data shows that the current administration’s participation rate stands at approximately 57 percent, slightly lower than the roughly 64 percent recorded during the previous coalition government under Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Merz had previously promised greater involvement from German ministers in EU affairs. During a speech at a Christian Social Union (CSU) party congress in February 2025, he declared that future cabinet members would “physically and mentally” attend EU ministerial meetings in Brussels. He emphasized that there would be a requirement for their presence, drawing applause from attendees. This pledge came amid growing frustration with the previous government, which was criticized for its inconsistent stance on key decisions, often withholding support due to internal divisions within the ruling coalition known as the "Ampel" government. The Council of Ministers, one of the EU's most influential bodies, brings together specialized ministers from member states to discuss and decide on major policy issues. Topics have ranged from asylum policies to sanctions against Russia. Despite Merz’s public commitment to increased engagement, the latest data suggests that the new government has not yet achieved the level of consistent participation once anticipated. Under Scholz, Germany’s absence from critical votes became a point of contention among European partners. Many hoped that Merz, a former member of the European Parliament, would bring stronger leadership and more frequent representation. His visit to Brussels on May 9, 2025, during Europe Day, reiterated this goal. However, over a year later, the reality appears different. The study analyzed nearly 200 ministerial meetings held in Brussels and Luxembourg, excluding sessions typically attended by the Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs' state secretary. It found that while some ministers still attend regularly, others frequently send their senior aides, state secretaries, to represent them instead. This practice, though not explicitly prohibited, raises questions about the depth of political engagement. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, a member of the European Parliament representing the Free Democratic Party (FDP), noted that such absences reflect broader challenges in prioritizing European integration. She suggested that ministers often justify their absence by citing domestic responsibilities, but she argued that this does not fully address the need for closer ties with the EU. A spokesperson for the federal government responded to the findings, stating that it is the chancellor’s responsibility to influence European policy and that he continues to advocate for Germany’s interests in Brussels alongside other ministers. The situation highlights ongoing concerns about Germany’s role in shaping EU policy. While the country remains a key player, the data suggests that its active participation in decision-making processes has not improved substantially since the previous government. Analysts will likely continue to monitor whether the new administration can close the gap in its engagement with the EU institutions.