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Capital: Berlin
Official EU language(s): German
EU member country: since 1 January 1958
Currency: euro. Germany has been a member of the Eurozone since 1 January 1999.
Schengen: Germany has been part of the Schengen area since 26 March 1995.
Figures: Geographical size – population – gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in PPS
Germany operates as a federal parliamentary republic with a chancellor as the head of government and a president as the head of state, with primary representative responsibilities. The country is composed of 16 states, each with its constitution and considerable autonomy in internal organization. Among these, three are city-states: Bremen, Berlin, and Hamburg.
Key sectors of Germany’s economy in 2020 included industry (23.4%), public administration, defense, education, human health, and social work activities (19.4%), and wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation, and food service activities (15.8%).
Internally, 53% of Germany’s exports are traded within the EU, with France (8%) and the Netherlands (7%) as significant partners. Externally, 9% of exports go to the United States, and 8% to China.
Regarding imports, 64% come from EU Member States, with the Netherlands (14%), France, Poland, and Belgium (6%) being major contributors. Externally, 8% come from China and 5% from the United States.
Germany is represented by 96 members in the European Parliament.
European Parliament office in Germany
German government representatives participate in regular Council meetings to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies.
Germany has held the Presidency of the Council of the EU during various periods, including July-December 1958, July-December 1961, and July-December 1964, among others.
Ursula von der Leyen from Germany serves as the President of the European Commission. The Commission maintains representation in Germany.
Germany is represented by 24 members on the European Economic and Social Committee, offering consultation on proposed laws affecting work and social situations.
Germany has 23 representatives on the European Committee of the Regions, ensuring regional perspectives are considered in proposed laws.
Germany communicates with EU institutions through its permanent representation in Brussels, ensuring effective pursuit of the country’s interests and policies within the EU.
Germany’s contributions to the EU budget are determined fairly based on its economic means, supporting various programs and projects across EU countries. The EU budget prioritizes the needs of Europeans as a whole.
