서울국제포럼 The Seoul Forum for International Affairs(SFIA)

Q. You mentioned Indo-Pacific Guidelines. According to these guidelines, how Germany will respond to China’s behavior? Does Germany have a plan to cooperate with Korean regarding semiconductor industry? I would also like to hear your opinion on the carbon border adjustment tax issue.

 A. Indo-Pacific Guidelines had a clear line even before finalization. One and half year after the announcement of the new guidelines, what has become clear is that we will strengthen military, security relationship with Korea. For China, Germany as well as Europe have deep economic ties with it. Particularly, with lesson learnt from Russia’s military aggression, we would like to seek diversify rather than give strategic importance on just one country. A carbon boarder tax is not meant to be protectionism, but to impose a carbon price on European countries. In this regard, it will be important to establish a common baseline for carbon prices and apply carbon mechanism.

Q. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine seems to have reflective effect on European Union. Germany is a political and economic leader in the European Union, and with this, has decided to add two percent of GDP to defense spending, solidifying a leadership position.

 A. It is hard to thank the President Putin, but each member state of European Union is different so that internal reconciliation.

Q. In case of partnership between countries, Korea has difficult relation with Japan due to past history. In light of the relationship with between Germany and France, could you suggest ways to strengthen the relationship between Korea and Japan?

 A. Relationship between Korea and Japan are more like those between Germany and Poland, also very complex. It is hard to give any advice as Germany is the country which waged war. However, it is surprising that Korea, Japan, and China have difficulties in reconciliation despite many common interests. In my personal opinion, I think that they can cooperate with each other in academic and industrial field other than politics.

Q. I would like to as the ambassador for a piece of advice. An annual conference hosted by more than 50 universities was planned to be held in June on the border between Ukraine and Russia, but the has made it uncertain. Representatives of European universities strongly insisted that it should be cancelled to penalize Russia, and representatives of U.S. and Asian universities are against it. Which position is proper?

A. I am not in any position to give advice, but international sanctions are not directed against Russian people, but against Russian government. The reason for Europe being outrageous and emotional that it is close to the region and the provocation is very sudden and unjust. In my opinion, severing international relations with Russian society is not the goal in the long run.

Q. As Germany is the fourth largest export country in the world, Korea is a very small market from the German point of view. What is the reason that you want to strengthen relationship with Korea? Could you tell us about the European Union’s military and diplomatic strategy.

 A. Korea is a big market for Germany’s automotive industry. However, compared to the international community, Korea has relatively strict regulations and standards and put emphasis on the individual responsibilities of CEO, which makes it difficult for foreign companies. Also, as foreigners from Europe, sometimes we feel a little bit discriminated.  As for the European Union’s military policy, Europe has long been trying to strengthen its defense, and further accelerated this due to Russia’s provocation. However, this is an internal policy not against NATO.

Q. When you first came to Korea, how was your impression of Korean society from your expectations?

 A. It was my first time to come to Korea, and my first impression were very different from what I expected. In my experience, I have never had unfriendly eyes on me, it is the opposite. I also met an old lady who seemed not to foreign language but was trying to kindly provide way.

Comment. Russia and Ukraine are not members of ICC, but when Russia forcibly occupied Crimea four years ago, 41 countries, including Germany, had asked ICC to investigate war crimes. A friend country that shares the same ideas and values, I hope Korea and Germany will move forward together to uphold international communities’ rules and norms, and to protect human rights.

Q. Recently, a proposal to invite Korea as G7 member, but I heard that Germany had some reservation about it. I would like to hear your thoughts on future proposal like this.

 A. As far as I know, Germany has never opposed Korea’s participation in the G7. I am well-aware that Korea has great interest in such organizations. Nothing has been decided exactly, but Germany always take prudence. Korea should not be disappointed even if you are not successful in joining an official member, should set a good precedent for being invited to G7 meeting.

Q. Korea is not only a partner with the U.S., but also competing each other in some ways. Germany, as a high tech country, seems to have similar dilemma of cooperation and competition. Could you give any wise advice on how to navigate this situation?

A. While Germany also cooperates with other countries in various fields, but compete with in various fields as well. It is normal for industrialized country. However, It is important that we adhere to the principles we have set ourselves.