2023 has seen significant developments impacting Germany and the UK as well as Europe and the wider world. While the global environment remains challenging and uncertain, the importance of reinvigorating the partnership between the UK, Germany and the European Union is higher than ever. In light of this, the conclusion of the Windsor Framework in February and the recent decision by the UK Government to rejoin the Horizon programme must be considered decisive steps in the right direction. Both events showcase what is possible where shared values and interests are translated into common action.

It is in this spirit that this year’s German British Dialogue in Cadenabbia brought together MPs and Members of the Bundestag to share perspectives and explore future avenues for co-operation. In addition, we hosted a group of German parliamentarians at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester and facilitated visits by KAS Scholars and Junge Union delegates to Dublin, where they met with Irish representatives.

Looking ahead, we will continue working to strengthen the bonds of friendship that unite Germany, the UK and Ireland through personal exchanges and substantive analysis.

In September the KAS London office hosted in co-operation with the Centre for Geopolitics the 6th Cambridge Roundtable on European Order.  At this time of exceptional flux, a group of leading politicians, diplomats, analysts, military professionals and business people came together to discuss the global landscape shaping Europe’s future, especially the complex challenges facing the UK, Germany and Europe.

In April, a group of Members of Parliament and experts from Germany and the UK gathered for our traditional German British Dialogue in Cadenabbia. On the shores of beautiful Lake Como, we discussed a range of topics, deliberating on both the more pressing and the longer term challenges facing our countries. We look forward very much to continuing this great tradition in 2024 of discussing key challenges and opportunities for our countries at Villa La Collina in Cadenabbia, the holiday resort of former German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer.