Photo Gallery German Defense Policy Changes Direction
New German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen would like to see her country play a more active role abroad. It is likely to be music to the ears of Berlin's allies, but it remains unclear exactly what she has in mind. In comments to SPIEGEL, she indicated she is in favor of a joint European Union military.
Germany is currently considering bolstering its mission in Mali and joining an EU mission to the Central African Republic. Berlin has often been accused of staying on the sidelines of past crises.
In an interview with SPIEGEL, Von der Leyen said that Europe has very strong interests in Africa, not least because of the influx of migrants coming across the Mediterranean Sea. Here, refugees from Africa being rescued by the Italian navy in early January.
Germany was heavily criticized by its allies for abstaining from the 2011 UN Security Council vote on intervention in Libya. New German Defense Minister Von der Leyen would like to change the perception of Germany as a country that prefers to sit on the sidelines.
