FDP on foreign affairs and defence

The FDP wants to abolish civil clauses, under which universities commit to purely civilian research. It regards them as a disproportionate interference with academic freedom. A European defense research agency would also be created.

Some universities do no research for the military. So-called civil clauses set this rule. The FDP wants to remove these clauses. Europe should also get a new agency for military research.

The civil clauses would be deleted from the states' higher education laws. The FDP points to Russia's war against Ukraine and argues Germany must be able to hold its own technologically against aggressors. The European DARPA would work as an agile research agency on the US model. It would transfer knowledge between the military and academia and fund projects with military or dual-use applications.

The FDP wants to support Ukraine with money and weapons so it can defend itself against Russia at any time. It calls for immediate delivery of the Taurus cruise missile. The goal is to restore Ukraine's territorial integrity.

The FDP wants to help Ukraine more. Germany should give money and weapons. This includes the Taurus missile. It can fly very far. Ukraine should later join the EU and NATO.

In the FDP's view, a Russian victory would cost more than the aid. With long-range weapons, Ukraine should also be able to strike launch sites and supply lines on Russian territory. Funding is to be lasting and fairly shared among NATO, EU and G7 states, including by using frozen Russian assets where legally possible. In the longer term, the FDP supports Ukraine joining the EU and NATO.

The FDP commits to NATO and the alliance with the United States. Germany is to spend at least two percent of economic output on defense and also meet higher targets if NATO agrees on them.

The FDP stands by NATO. NATO is a defense alliance. Germany should spend enough money on defense. That means at least 2 percent of its economic output. If NATO asks for more, Germany should pay more.

The alliance with the United States is to hold regardless of who is president. Germany and its European partners are to take more responsibility for their defense and be able to deter credibly. NATO's European pillar is to be strengthened through closer cooperation among EU states within it. The FDP wants to meet Russia with diplomacy and military strength.

The FDP wants to fund and equip the Bundeswehr better and make it the strongest conventional force in Europe. It relies on a volunteer army with a strong reserve and rejects a return to general conscription. In the long run, it aims for a European Army.

The FDP wants to make the Bundeswehr stronger. It should get more money and better equipment. Nobody should be forced to serve. Later there should be a shared army in Europe.

The force is to consist of active soldiers and a strong reserve. A national database is to record men and women fit for service. Service is to become more attractive through pay and social benefits. Together with France, Germany is to be a cooperation partner for smaller European states. A National Security Council is to spot risks early and develop joint strategies.

The FDP wants to raise pressure on Russia with economic sanctions, a far-reaching trade embargo and visa revocations. Russian war crimes are to be prosecuted. The EU is to phase out Russian energy purchases according to a plan.

The FDP wants tough penalties against Russia. There should be almost no trade with Russia. The EU should stop buying energy from Russia. Courts should punish crimes committed in the war.

War crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression are to be prosecuted. Third countries that help evade sanctions are also to face measures. The platform rules out a return to the pre-war situation, especially regarding energy dependence. The FDP wants to support Russian civil society and people working for a democratic Russia.

The FDP wants to keep economic ties with China in principle but reduce dependencies in security-relevant and key economic sectors. It also wants to support Taiwan more, without recognizing it as a state.

Germany buys a lot from China. The FDP wants Germany to depend on China less. This applies to important areas such as security. The FDP wants to work more with Taiwan.

Critical infrastructure is to be protected from Chinese influence. Against illegal cheap goods from China, existing law such as the Digital Services Act is to be strictly enforced and customs and market oversight better coordinated. The FDP backs targeted EU sanctions against Chinese officials who violate human rights. The EU is to conclude a free-trade-like agreement with Taiwan and open talks on an investment agreement. Taiwan is to be included in international organizations.

The FDP wants to restructure development cooperation and its institutions. Funds are to follow the economic and security interests of Germany and the EU. Foreign policy is to balance values and interests.

Germany gives money to poorer countries. The FDP wants to spread this money differently. It should also benefit Germany and Europe. Countries that cut the rights of women or minorities should get less money for their government.

Emerging states in Africa, Latin America and Asia are to get more attractive offers of cooperation to preempt Russian and Chinese influence. According to the platform, foreign policy should rely more on cooperation than on moral lecturing. If a country toughens penalties against LGBTIQ people or cuts women's rights, aid should still reach those affected, for example through non-governmental partners. If necessary, budget support is to be cut or work with state bodies ended.

The FDP calls Israel's existence and security a German reason of state. Israel is to receive everything it needs for self-defense and be put on par with NATO states for arms exports. The FDP seeks a negotiated two-state solution to the conflict.

The FDP wants to protect Israel. Germany should send Israel weapons as it does to NATO countries. Israel and Palestine should become two separate states. Both sides should negotiate this.

The FDP bases this on Germany's historical responsibility. It regards arms exports as a legitimate tool of foreign and security policy. Germany is to work toward the EU, the US and the states of the region seeking a lasting political peace settlement. The two-state model is meant to guarantee Israel's security and allow a sovereign, democratic State of Palestine.