The Evolution of German’s Leadership in the EU A. Merkel’s Administration

Germany's growing leading role in the European Union in recent years has been the subject of extensive debate. The revised EU foreign policy procedures introduced by the Lisbon Treaty, with a significant delegation of formal leadership functions to the EU level, have created a new dynamic between EU institutions and member states, thereby complicating the picture of how and why Germany exercises leadership. Scholars note Germany’s preference for a consensus policy during the period of A. Merkel’s administration, the study of which is very relevant and in demand from the point of view of the successful experience of transforming Germany into the de facto leader of the EU. The scientific relevance of the topic under research is due to the need to study the objective political and economic reasons for the transformation of Germany in the role of the EU leader and as a key and nodal actor in international relations