Thread by @anbusch

As I leave London again after an intense day of 🇬🇧 🇩🇪British German discussions at yesterday's #Koenigswinter conference in London, it is time for some reflections. Here is a first cut as a tweetstorm. @JensZSPD @GermanEmbassy @AnnelieseDodds @UKinGermany /1

First of all, though, a round of heartfelt thanks to those who organised it! On the British side that is @DLidington and his team, who not only dealt with a postponed conference, but also managed to host the conference in the splendor of #LancasterHouse! /2

On the German side Thomas Matussek and Mari Mittelhaus @debrige_berlin ran things smoothly for the excellent group of participants they put together. Many thanks! /3

After two years of hybrid or purely online conferences, it was very good to meet in person again. But that was not the only change: the challenges of the #Ukraine war have changed the atmosphere and concentrated the minds both on the German and the British side. /4

The commonality of interests & values was very clear in discussions - and also pointed out by panel chairs and speakers. Joint interests in ensuring energy supply through this & the next winter as well as achieving net zero while making sure the lights don't go out are others. /5

Some differences between the two countries are to be expected in the economic changes following from both the Ukraine war and the increased awareness of the risks of economic dependence on #China. /6

This is due to their respective focusing on services and global industrial competitiveness. But "de-risking" will be important for both. /7

It was amazing how much concentrated debate occurred in the space of the twelve hours the conference lasted. Unsurprisingly the focus was mainly on the strategic / top level perspective. /8

However, national political systems and societies are also facing challenges and are undergoing changes which need to be reflected at such a conference. /9

For it was repeatedly pointed out that all strategic objectives need to maintain domestic public support from voters and taxpayers if they are to be successful. /10

And the example of Germany and civil nuclear power illustrates that substantive and political rationalities sometimes pull into different directions. National level developments thus deserve special consideration and discussion. /11

Concluding: As I leave this conference (I write this on the plane), I am encouraged at the new spirit of commonality that has permeated the discussions! The view was firmly to the future, not backward. /12

That is good - for there are more than enough problems ahead (energy, economy, security, social cohesion) that can best be tackled if there continues to be close dialogue in the #Königswinter spirit: open, frank, and constructive! /13