German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier speaks, during a press conference with Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino (not pictured) at the Palacio de las Garzas Presidential Palace, in Panama City, Panama, March 16, 2026. REUTERS
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said the start of US President Donald Trump’s second term marked a rupture in German foreign relations as profound as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and required Germany to seek greater independence.
“Just as I believe there will be no going back in relations with Russia before February 24, 2022, so too do I believe there will be no going back in transatlantic relations before January 20, 2025,” Steinmeier said, according to prepared remarks.
Germany must apply lessons learned from reducing “excessive dependencies” on Russia to its relationship with the United States, particularly in defence and technology, he said at a foreign office event in Berlin on Tuesday.
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As president, Steinmeier’s role is largely ceremonial, though he influences public debate as the country’s head of state. Germany has increasingly emphasised building alternatives to US-dominated technology amid concerns over data access and influence.
“We know that this technological lead means not only foreign policy power, but also the power to influence our domestic politics through digital platforms and social media,” he said. Steinmeier added that a recent dispute between the Pentagon and AI firm Anthropic over safety guardrails could serve as a wake-up call — or an opportunity — for Europe.
“Europe as a technology hub has talent, markets, opportunities and, importantly, ethical standards. We should build on these,” he said.
