Germany's Diplomatic Dance: Energy Interests vs. Human Rights Concerns As Chancellor Friedrich Merz hosts Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Berlin, the German government's priorities are on full display.
The talks between these two leaders have been billed as a discussion of energy issues and trade in raw materials – a nod to Azerbaijan's crucial role as an oil and gas supplier to Europe.
Germany's pursuit of energy security is driven by a mix of economic necessity and geopolitical pragmatism.