Rediscovering the Pacific: Possibilities of German Cooperation

As indicted by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock’s visit to Palau in July 2022 and the planned opening of an embassy in Fiji, Germany is increasingly turning towards the Pacific Islands region. Yet, a clear orientation in Pacific policy is missing. Germany should avoid the competition between the United States and China for regional influence and focus on the interests of people in the Pacific.

• With respect to climate policy, the most important issue for the majority of Pacific Island States, Germany is seen as a key partner. German Pacific policy should, however, go beyond climate action and pursue a multi-thematic approach.

• Possible foci, to be developed jointly with the island states, include cooperation concerning supply of potable water, sea transportation, waste disposal, ocean protection, and the strengthening of girls’ and women’s rights.

• German foreign policy, internationally oriented culture and science policy, and development cooperation need to operate in tandem to be able to respond in a targeted manner to developments in the Pacific. In this context, Pacific expertise in German academia and civil society should also be called upon.

• Given the diversity of Pacific Island States, cooperation with regional organisations locally should be expanded. What is needed in this context is not a universal approach but close awareness of these states’ diverse interests. Multilateral cooperation with the region should be complemented by that with key countries such as Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa too.

Policy Implications

Increased cooperation with the Pacific, to be pursued in conjunction with partners in and beyond the European Union, can build on the trust Germany enjoys in the region. Going beyond climate policy and geopolitics, Germany should focus on issue areas reflecting the needs and interests of the region’s people and states.

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