International Reactions: How the World Views Germany's New Government

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Brussels contained its excitement as the ballots were tabulated in Germany. In the headquarters of the European Union and NATO, most diplomats were certain even before the vote that continuity in fundamental foreign and European political questions was assured -- regardless of whether the result was a continued grand coalition or a new center-right alliance. However, new and unknown faces in the German government could shift political focus.

The European Commission is holding off on official congratulations until a government is formed. But after Germany's ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, there's hope within the commission for understanding and political backing, among other things, from Berlin in the coming difficult months. In Brussels, a transitional commission must take office under the Treaty of Nice, since Lisbon won't come into effect for at least a few more months. In the legal balancing act on virgin political territory, support from a particularly influential EU member like Germany would be most welcome.

There is conflict between Berlin and Brussels on some important questions. The European Commission has doubts about the legitimacy of the so-called "Volkswagen law" which gives the state of Lower-Saxony, which owns around 20 percent of the company, more or less a poison pill to halt foreign buyers from taking control of the auto giant. Brussels could threaten new action against the measure, which is seen as violating EU rules on the free flow of capital. A new conflict also looms over the German government's rescue of carmaker Opel. There's high anticipation in Brussels over which German politician will be appointed by the government to the European Commission.

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• Part 1: How the World Views Germany's New Government
• Part 2: Great Britain - Less than Two Lines from Gordon Brown
• Part 3: France - A Handwritten Note from 'Your Friend' Nicolas Sarkozy
• Part 4: Russia - Eyeing the FDP Wildcard
• Part 5: Turkey - Rocky Road to EU Admission Is Seen
• Part 6: Brussels: NATO and EU Expect Continuity