2023 – dates to note in Germany
Here are some important dates to add to your diary
National Security Strategy
In 2022, under the auspices of the Federal Foreign Office, Germany began developing a comprehensive National Security Strategy. A broad spectrum of citizens were included in the process. The draft strategy, designed as a guideline for German (foreign) policy, has been completed and is currently in the negotiation stage with the coalition partners. The strategy is due to be presented at the Munich Security Conference in February, where it will also be discussed.
Munich Security Conference
The Munich Security Conference (MSC) is the most important informal forum for security policy in the world. The upcoming 59th MSC is not organized by the government, but by a foundation. Its purpose is to discuss worldwide foreign and security policy challenges. High-ranking guests from around the globe are expected to attend between 17 and 19 February 2023. In addition to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, another key focus will be on perspectives of the Global South. In addition to this, the Federal Government is planning to present Germany’s new National Security Strategy.
175th Anniversary of the Paulskirche
It has long since ceased to be a church, the Paulskirche in Frankfurt am Main. Today it is a meeting centre and a memorial. That’s because the building represents the cradle of German democracy. It is where the first freely elected parliament, the National Assembly, convened on 18 May 1848 to create a constitution for a unified Germany and the formation of a national state. In 2023 Germany will be celebrating the 175th anniversary in Frankfurt from 18 through 21 May with a big festival.
Elections
The first election of the year in Germany is a repeat: On 12 February Berlin will be repeating the election of 21 September 2021 to elect the parliament of that federal state. The Constitutional Court of the State of Berlin took this decision after numerous ballot papers were declared either incorrect, missing or too hastily copied; insufficient numbers of ballot boxes were available; polling stations were temporarily closed, or opening times were unlawfully extended. On 14 May citizens in the federal state of Bremen will be electing their parliament, which is known as the Bürgerschaft. And in autumn the parliaments in Bavaria and Hesse will also be elected, but the dates have yet to be announced.
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