Surveys have shown that people in united Germany are committed to peace and freedom. They wish to promote European unification and intensify cooperation especially with the neighboring countries of Eastern Europe. Great importance continues to be attached to Germany’s alliance with the United States. The policy of pursuing an equitable balance between the interests of industrial countries and those of developing countries likewise enjoys widespread support in the Federal Republic.

Public opinion research is also used to obtain reliable insights concerning Germany’s image in the Member States of the European Union. Surveys have shown that after unification as well, the Germans are considered in Western Europe to be dependable partners for peace, freedom and prosperity. Together with France, Germany is perceived as the heart and motor of European cooperation.