The Middle East Research Institute (MERI) convened a policy roundtable to explore Germany’s evolving engagement in Iraq. Participants included the German Ambassador to Iraq, Christiane Hohmann, and German Deputy Consul General in Erbil, Daniel Drescher, along with a number of senior figures from Kurdistan Region’s civil society, institutional leaders, policy experts and academics. Discussion focused primarily on Germany’s approach to Iraq’s political, security, and developmental trajectory, as well as shared strategic interests and future partnerships.
Germany has long been regarded as a trusted partner and stabilizing actor in Iraq, stated Dlawer Ala’Aldeen, MERI’s president, in his introduction. Successive German governments have sustained investment in institutional reform, social cohesion, and economic development across Iraq. Importantly, Germany’s contributions have extended beyond technical assistance to encompass symbolic solidarity, most notably through its support for minority communities, including the Yazidis. While Germany’s presence and engagement are welcomed by Iraqis, there is also an awareness of the growing burden placed on the country by the ongoing challenges emanating from Iraq, including migration flows, regional terrorism, and trade imbalances. These pressures are further compounded by internal German and European Union challenges, as well as the geopolitical uncertainties associated with the evolving US policies in Europe and the Middle East.
Ambassador Christiane Hohmann emphasized that open debate and direct engagement with local stakeholders are essential for crafting effective foreign policy and for understanding the local political dynamics. She noted that media narratives alone are insufficient to capture the complexities of countries like Iraq. Germany’s approach is instead shaped by the experiences and insights of its partners on the ground. Drawing on Germany’s own historical experience, including the trauma of Nazism and the Holocaust, Hohmann underscored the importance of national reckoning and historical accountability. For Germany, confronting its past has not only been a moral necessity but also a guiding principle in its international engagements.
Reflecting on Iraq’s own history of war, fragmentation, and displacement, the ambassador acknowledged the depth of societal trauma and the immense challenge of rebuilding trust, institutions, and livelihoods. She stressed that while Germany can offer lessons, both from its successes and failures, it is ultimately up to Iraqis to define their path forward. “International partners can support and collaborate, but they cannot chart the course.”, noted the German ambassador. A central message from the ambassador was that while international actors can provide advice and support, Iraq must take full ownership of its governance systems, development models, and institutional frameworks. Any externally derived solution must be adapted to local realities and needs.
Looking to the future, the ambassador reaffirmed that Germany’s core foreign policy values, democracy, rule of law, and freedom, will remain consistent despite any domestic political changes. With the formation of a new government approaching, there will likely be shifts in tone, but not in strategic orientation. Germany does not normally undergo abrupt policy reversals, and its long-term commitment to stability and human rights will continue to guide its actions in Iraq and the region.
Further discussions among the participants, including questions and answers, were conducted under Chatham House Rules, hence none of the following statements can be affiliated to any one participants.
A recurring theme in the discussion was the importance of education and vocational training. Iraq’s demographic profile provides an advantage in numbers, but not necessarily in skills. The absence of vocational training has led to shortages in essential professions which are vital for a functioning economy. It was emphasized that Iraq should first articulate its development vision and economic priorities. Only then can international partners align their support effectively. Vocational education, as a pillar of Germany’s own development model, was offered as a potential area of cooperation, provided Iraq commits to defining its economic direction.
However, discussions revealed that several barriers continue to hinder deeper German economic engagement in Iraq. These include the lack of skilled labor, an unpredictable and complex regulatory environment, a weak banking sector, and legal uncertainties, particularly in relation to business licensing. A notable obstacle is the double taxation of goods entering through the Kurdistan Region, which significantly deters foreign investment. While Iraq’s market potential is acknowledged, the enabling environment remains underdeveloped, rendering it unappealing to many foreign investors.
On security cooperation, Germany currently contributes forces through the NATO Mission in Iraq (NMI) and the U.S.-led Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR). Any significant policy change from Washington could impact German deployments in Iraq. Germany is working to establish bilateral frameworks for security cooperation with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, which would ensure the continuity of training and support to the Peshmerga and federal Iraqi forces.
On the question of minority rights, the vulnerability of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the failure of successive Iraqi governments to adequately address their needs were highlighted. Conversely, minority communities must speak with a unified voice both in Baghdad and Erbil, otherwise fragmented advocacy weakens international support efforts. Iraqi and international partners can help create the conditions for the safe and dignified return of IDPs, especially to areas like Sinjar, but the primary responsibility for providing security, economic opportunity, and essential services lies with the Iraqi state.
In conclusion, the dialogue revealed a shared recognition that while Germany is a steadfast partner, the impetus for transformation must come from within Iraq. The country has made important strides and holds strategic value in the region, serving as a critical link between Iran and the broader Middle East. However, for Iraq to fulfill this role, it must step up and assume greater responsibility in shaping its own future, socially, economically, and politically. Germany, for its part, stands ready to support that journey through partnership, not prescription, as emphasized by Ambassador Hohmann.