Germany–Sweden relations

Last updated
Germany-Sweden relations
Germany Sweden Locator.png
Flag of Germany.svg
Germany 		Flag of Sweden.svg
Sweden

The relation between Germany and Sweden has a long historical background. [1] The relationship is characterized by exchanges between the neighboring countries of the Baltic Sea in the 14th century. [2] Both countries are members of the European Union, NATO, United Nations, OSCE, Council of the Baltic Sea States and the Council of Europe. [3] Germany has given full support to Sweden's membership of the European Union. Germany strongly supported Sweden's NATO membership during the latter's accession process. Germany has an embassy in Stockholm. [4] Sweden has an embassy in Berlin.

Contents

History

Early history

Death of Gustavus II Adolphus at the Battle of Lutzen, 1855 painting by Carl Wahlbom Death of King Gustav II Adolf of Sweden at the Battle of Lutzen, 1855, by Carl Wahlbom, Nationalmuseum, Stockholm, Sweden.jpg
Death of Gustavus II Adolphus at the Battle of Lützen , 1855 painting by Carl Wahlbom

German-Swedish contacts date back to the Middle Ages, and the relations were marked by multiple conflicts and wars. In 1398, the Teutonic Order invaded and occupied the island of Gotland, with another war fought for the island between the Kalmar Union and the Teutonic Order in 1403–1404. In 1570 German mercenaries unsuccessfully revolted against Sweden in then Swedish-ruled Reval (modern Tallinn, Estonia).

Most notably, Sweden took part in the Thirty Years' War, which was mostly fought in the Holy Roman Empire. Sweden's involvement in the war weakened Imperial authority and delayed the unification of German states, which occurred only in the 19th century. [5] Since 1648 Sweden ruled various territories of modern northern Germany, i.e. Bremen-Verden, Wismar and Pomerania.

Swedish siege of Prussian-controlled Peenemunde during the Pomeranian War in 1757 Sieg of Peenemunde Sconce on Usedom 1757.jpg
Swedish siege of Prussian-controlled Peenemünde during the Pomeranian War in 1757

During the Great Northern War of 1700–1721 Sweden lost Bremen-Verden and part of Pomerania to Hanover and Prussia, respectively. In 1757–1762, Sweden and Prussia clashed in the Pomeranian War for the control of Pomerania, however, the war ended with no territorial changes. In the early 19th century, Sweden lost Wismar and the remainder of Hither Pomerania to the Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Prussia, respectively, although Sweden renounced its claims to Wismar only in 1903.

World Wars and interwar period

During the First World War (1914–1918), though Sweden would remain officially neutral throughout the conflict, widespread sympathies existed towards Imperial Germany amongst the Swedish population, especially within the nobility, including the King. Though Sweden traded with both sides during the war, the Germans disproportionally benefitted from trade with Sweden due to the shortages brought about by the British blockade. In particular, Sweden became a crucial source of iron ore for Germany. Sweden's perceived partiality towards the Central Powers despite her proclaimed neutrality drew sharp criticism from the Allied Entente. The 1914 Septemberprogramm authorized by German Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann Hollweg proposed the creation of a Central European Economic Union, comprising a number of European countries, including Germany and possibly Sweden, in which, as the Chancellor secretly stressed, there was to be a semblance of equality among the member states, but in fact it was to be under German leadership to stabilize Germany's economic predominance in Central Europe, with co-author Kurt Riezler admitting that the union would be a veiled form of German domination in Europe (see also: Mitteleuropa ). [6] [7] The plan failed amid Germany's defeat in the war.

In the times of the Weimar Republic (1918–1933) Sweden was economically dependent on Germany. One of the important customer countries of Sweden in terms of iron ore was Germany. Moreover, a lot of German large companies acquired significant stock options of Swedish companies. In 1926 the trade and shipping treaty between the two countries was cancelled by Germany, because of disadvantages for German agrarian economy. In Sweden, the reorientation from German to Anglo-American culture had begun after the First World War. But still the upper classes of Sweden derived their culture and inspiration from the German universities, conservatories and art centers. In the interwar period the Swedish import of German literature had an important role. [8] The domestic political development of Germany, especially the rapid increase of the influence of National Socialism in the German policy after 1930, was observed with big interest by Sweden. The Swedish press adopted a distanced and critical attitude towards National Socialism which caused disgruntlements between the German-Swedish relations. While Germany was influenced by National Socialism, Sweden was a country with a social democratic government.

In autumn 1932, Hermann Göring, the president of the Reichstag at that time, complained to Karl Albert Damgren, the press responsible of the Swedish delegation, in Berlin about the style of the reporting in the Swedish press in relation to National Socialism. The Nazi seizure of power on 30 January 1933 created problems between Germany and Sweden. Frederic Hans von Rosenberg complained about a Swedish article in the "Social-Demokraten". He said that the article contained wrong and exaggerated information. But Sweden was also attacked by the German press.

In the years that followed (1934–1937), the Swedish-German relations occurred a quiet phase. The German government circles expressed their interest in friendly contact with Sweden. Sweden declared in the Second World War again its neutrality. But Arvid Richert, the Swedish envoy in Berlin expressed his apprehension that Sweden could be involved in the war. He advised Sweden that they had to show resistance and attention in relation to statements about Germany to protect their country. [9]

Post-war period

The post war period of Sweden was characterized by continuity. From Sweden's point of view there was no need for analyzing of their behavior during the National Socialism. It did not need a construction of parliamentary democracy or a constitutional reform. But one of Sweden's strategies after the war was the rejection of all things which was associated with National Socialism. Thus militaristically and nationalistically currents were opposed and Anglo-American values of modernity and rationality were benefited. [10]

In July 2022, Germany fully approved Sweden's application for NATO membership. [11]

Meeting of Carl Bildt and Frank-Walter Steinmeier, foreign ministers of Sweden and Germany, in 2014. Minister Carl Bildt and Frank-Walter Steinmeier at a press conference.jpg
Meeting of Carl Bildt and Frank-Walter Steinmeier, foreign ministers of Sweden and Germany, in 2014.

High level visits

In 2012, Fredrik Reinfeldt was a guest of Chancellor Angela Merkel. In May 2012 the German federal president Gauck visited Sweden at his trip. At autumn 2012 the federal ministers Wolfgang Schäuble and Thomas de Maizière went to Sweden, and in January 2017, Chancellor Angela Merkel visited Prime Minister Stefan Löfven. [12] [13]

Economic relations

On the one hand the main supplier country of Sweden is Germany. The amount of Sweden's imports from Germany is about 17.3 percent, from Norway about 8.7 percent and from Denmark about 8.4 percent. On the other hand, one of the main customer countries of Sweden is Germany. Sweden exports most of their products to Norway. But Germany is with an amount of 9.8 percent in the lead of Sweden's customer countries. [14] In year 2012 Germany imported goods from Sweden in the amount of 13 billion Euros. [15] Among the products which Sweden exports to Germany are pharmaceutical products (18.2%), paper and paperboard (18.3%), metals (12.5%), machines (8.8%), automobiles and automobile particles (7.7%), mineral ores (6.3%) and chemical products (4.6%). 18.2 percent of the total German exports to Sweden are automobiles and automobile particles, 14.5 percent machines, 9.5 percent EDP-appliances, 8.5 percent chemical products, 7.7 percent electrical equipment and 6.5 percent metals. [16]

The stock of the foreign direct investments of Sweden in Germany was around 15.243 Million Euros in year 2009, around 16.146 million Euros in year 2010 and around 16.183 Million Euros in year 2011. The stock of German foreign direct investments in Sweden was higher. The stock was around 16.336 million Euros in year 2009, around 20.096 million Euros in year 2010 and around 26.027 million Euros in year 2011. [17] The number of the engagement of German companies in Sweden is about 870, with about 50.000 employees and estimated annual sales around 30 milliard euros. Regional focus areas are Stockholm, Göteborg and Malmö. [12]

Social policy

Principally Germany has deep interest in socio-political achievements and developments in Sweden. The sections child care, family policy and also the commerce with handicapped person are at the top of interest. Bilateral relations could be registered in the sections labor market reform, professional training and nursing care insurance. [12] Right-wing populism has emerged in both countries. [18]

Cultural relations

Until the Second World War, Sweden along with the rest of the Nordic countries and the Low Countries was geared to the German linguistic and cultural area and was considered to fall under the "German sphere of influence".[ citation needed ] After the war a rapid reorientation followed to the Anglo-American area. The German language has been replaced by English as the second language, though it still retains its position as the second most popular foreign language for school students. Besides Goethe-Institut and Deutsche Schule Stockholm, further partner schools are of concern for the support of the German language in Sweden. [12]

German film productions are quite successful in Swedish cinemas and on Swedish television, but historical topics are more in the foreground. German ensembles and artist are going regularly to Sweden because of theatrical performances. In the literariness, a high demand exists for German classics. There are from time to time articles in the Swedish press about life in Germany, especially in Berlin. [12]

In the German city of Wismar in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the Schwedenfest ("Swedish Festival"), the largest Swedish festival outside of Sweden, takes place once a year. [19]

German institutions, associations and projects in Sweden

Deutsche Schule Stockholm, Eingangstor Karlavagen 25 Deutsche Schule Stockholm, Eingangstor Karlavagen 25.JPG
Deutsche Schule Stockholm, Eingangstor Karlavägen 25

Swedish institutions, associations and projects in Germany

Diaspora

About 50,000 Swedes live in Germany Svensker  [ no ], and about 20,000 Germans live in Sweden.

Resident diplomatic missions

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sverker Åström</span> Swedish diplomat

Carl Sverker Åström was a Swedish diplomat.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Treaty of Frederiksborg</span> 1720 peace treaty ending the Great Northern War

The Treaty of Frederiksborg was a treaty signed at Frederiksborg Castle, Zealand, on 3 July 1720, ending the Great Northern War between Denmark–Norway and Sweden.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Embassy of Germany, Canberra</span> Diplomatic mission

The Embassy of Germany in Canberra is Germany’s diplomatic mission to Australia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Nauru. The current German ambassador, Beate Grzeski, has been in office since September 2023. She and her team take care of the bilateral relationship between Germany and Australia, which includes the political, economic, cultural, military as well as scientific and press fields.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Georgia–Germany relations</span> Bilateral relations

The Georgia–Germany relations are the diplomatic, economic and cultural ties between Georgia and Germany, which go back several centuries. Germany pushed for the independence of the First Georgian Republic following the First World War and was one of the first countries to recognize the newly formed state in 1918, making it the protectorate of the German Empire. The bilateral relations were interrupted due to Georgia's forcible incorporation into the Soviet Union in 1922, but were restored on 13 April 1992 following the dissolution of the USSR.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peace of Lund</span> 1679 peace treaty between Denmark–Norway and the Swedish Empire

The Peace of Lund, signed on 16 September (O.S.) / 26 September 1679, was the final peace treaty between Denmark–Norway and the Swedish Empire in the Scanian War.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Korea–Sweden relations</span> Bilateral relations

North Korea–Sweden relations are the bilateral relations between North Korea and Sweden. The countries have had diplomatic relations since 7 April 1973. Sweden has had a long-term commitment in North Korea and its relations with the country are exceptionally close among Western nations. Sweden is one of the major contributors of humanitarian aid to North Korea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Azerbaijan–Germany relations</span> Bilateral relations

The diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Germany established in 1992 after Germany recognized the independence of Azerbaijan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Germany–New Zealand relations</span> Bilateral relations

The importance of the relations between Germany and New Zealand centers on the history of German migration to New Zealand. Approximately 200,000 New Zealanders are of German descent, and many German tourists visit New Zealand each year. Both nations are members of the Australia Group, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the United Nations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Germany–Saudi Arabia relations</span> Bilateral relations

Germany–Saudi Arabia relations refers to the international relations between Germany and Saudi Arabia. Both countries have established a pragmatic partnership centered mainly on economic interests. Saudi Arabia is the second most important trading partner for Germany in the Middle East. The German government regards Saudi Arabia as a partner, as the country can be a moderating influence on radical forces in the Middle East conflict.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Germany–Syria relations</span> Bilateral relations

Germany–Syria relations are the bilateral relations between Germany and Syria. Germany closed its Damascus embassy and stopped its recognition of Bashar Al-Assad in 2012 because of the Syrian civil war, but has never completely cut relations with the Syrian government.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Germany–Morocco relations</span> Bilateral relations

Germany–Morocco relations date back to the 19th century. The German Foreign Office describes Morocco as a "central partner of the European Union and Germany in North Africa," and Germany is an important trading partner for Morocco. In the past, however, relations have not always been entirely free of tension.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Austria–NATO relations</span> Bilateral relations

Austria and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have a close relationship. Austria with Ireland, Cyprus and Malta are the only members of the European Union that are not members of NATO. Austria has had formal relations with NATO since 1995, when it joined the Partnership for Peace programme.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Germany–Mozambique relations</span> Bilateral relations

Germany and Mozambique, have maintained diplomatic relations since Mozambique's independence in 1975. Since then, numerous visits by German politicians and business, commissions to Mozambique have followed, and a number of Mozambican politicians have visited the Federal Republic of Germany.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angola–Germany relations</span> Bilateral relations

Angola–Germany relations are the bilateral relations between Angola and Germany. Angola has an embassy in Berlin and Germany has an embassy in Luanda.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Germany–Ivory Coast relations</span> Bilateral relations

Germany–Ivory Coast relations are described by the German Foreign Office as "traditionally friendly".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Germany–Sri Lanka relations</span> Bilateral relations

Germany–Sri Lanka relations are diplomatic relations between Germany and Sri Lanka. They have existed since 1953, and the 60th anniversary was celebrated in Berlin in October 2013. With the end of the 30-year civil war in 2009, Germany became an important partner in reconstruction as well as a helper in the reconciliation of the different ethnic groups.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Germany–Jordan relations</span> Bilateral relations

Germany–Jordan relations are described by the Federal Foreign Office as having been "close and friendly for a long time". Germany is one of Jordan's most important partner countries, with intensive political and economic relations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Germany–Madagascar relations</span> Bilateral relations

Germany–Madagascar relations are "traditionally friendly", according to the German Foreign Office. Diplomatic contacts have been maintained between the two countries since the 19th century. In the 21st century, relations between the two countries are predominantly characterized by development cooperation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cambodia–Germany relations</span> Bilateral relations

Cambodia–Germany relations are diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Germany. Diplomatic relations between the Federal Republic of Germany and Cambodia were established on October 3, 1993. The GDR had already maintained diplomatic relations with Cambodia since 1962.

References

  1. ↑ "Deutsche Botschaft Stockholm - Deutschland und Schweden". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2013-11-01.
  2. ↑ "Geschichte Schwedens: Krieg, Frieden und Fortschritt - SWEDEN.SE". Archived from the original on 2013-11-02. Retrieved 2013-11-01.
  3. ↑ "Auswärtiges Amt - Außenpolitik". Archived from the original on 2017-11-11. Retrieved 2013-11-01.
  4. ↑ "Deutsche Botschaft Stockholm - die Botschaft". Archived from the original on 2017-11-27. Retrieved 2013-11-01.
  5. ↑ Michael Roberts. "Gustavus Adolphus". Britannica. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  6. ↑ Kosiarski, Jacek (2018). "Cesarstwo Niemieckie a odbudowa państwa polskiego". Stosunki Międzynarodowe – International Relations (in Polish). 54 (1): 178–179. ISSN   0209-0961.
  7. ↑ "The September Memorandum (September 9, 1914)" . Retrieved 22 August 2024.
  8. ↑ Hans Karl Gunther. German-Swedish relations. 1933-1939: The background for Swedish neutrality. Stanford 1954. p. 139.
  9. ↑ Axel Huckstorf. Internationale Beziehungen 1933-1939: Schweden und das dritte Reich. Frankfurt am Main. 1997. P. 9-98. ISBN   3-631-31788-3
  10. ↑ "Nachkriegszeit belastet immer noch schwedisch-deutsches Verhältnis - Radio Schweden | Sveriges Radio". Archived from the original on 2013-11-03. Retrieved 2013-11-01.
  11. ↑ "Germany ratifies NATO membership for Finland, Sweden". www.reuters.com. Retrieved 2022-07-08.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 "Auswärtiges Amt - Beziehungen zu Deutschland". Archived from the original on 2017-10-11. Retrieved 2013-11-01.
  13. ↑ "Prime Minister to receive German Chancellor Angela Merkel". 19 January 2017.
  14. ↑ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-08-17. Retrieved 2013-11-01.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  15. ↑ "Schwedens Export-Partner Nummer 1 ist jetzt Norwegen". 28 February 2013.
  16. ↑ "404". 11 January 2021.{{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help)
  17. ↑ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-08-17. Retrieved 2013-11-01.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  18. ↑ "Deutschland und Schweden: Mehr Verbindendes als Trennendes, Veranstaltungsbeiträge, Publikationen, Bildungswerk Schwerin, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung". Archived from the original on 2013-11-02. Retrieved 2013-11-01.
  19. ↑ "Wismar´s Swedish Festival". hanse.org.
  20. ↑ "Deutschland in Schweden | SwedenAbroad". Archived from the original on 2013-11-02. Retrieved 2013-11-01.
  21. ↑ "Deutsche Botschaft Stockholm - deutsche Institutionen". Archived from the original on 2013-11-03. Retrieved 2013-11-01.

Further reading

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.