As an important engine of the German economy, premiers in the state of Bavaria have always maintained diplomatic relationships with the most powerful countries in the world. It is these contacts which may prove an important asset for current Bavarian state Premier Edmund Stoiber, the Christian Democrats’ chancellor candidate in this year’s federal elections.

Foreign policy may not necessarily be Stoiber's strong point, but neither is he an amateur in this field. During his visit to the United States earlier this year, Stoiber made his priorities clear: The conservative opposition aims at maintaining a steadfast relationship with the United States.

What may seem like the continuation of a policy that has existed since the German Federal Republic was founded after World War II, does in fact have one new element: If elected, Stoiber has conceded he will make more money available in the federal budget for the strengthening of the role of Germany and Europe in the transatlantic relationship.

Criticism of the "emaciation" of Germany’s military

In their joint election policy platforms earlier this year, the Christian Democrats criticized the growing defense technology gap between Europe and the U.S., in particular the "emaciation" of Germany’s military.

All in all, Stoiber wants more money to modernize Europe's military capacities. He argues that Germany's financial contribution to the European Union's common defense policy should match its political and economic weight in the EU, which is considerably larger than its military pull.

No troops for a U.N. Middle East mission?

On the deployment of German troops abroad, Stoiber has said he has no general objections but has indicated he is against sending troops to the Middle East.

His position, therefore, differentiates clearly from that of Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. Schröder has disclosed that he would consider a Bundeswehr deployment to the Middle East under limited circumstances.

Support of German minorities in Eastern Europe

In addition, Stoiber's foreign policy differs from that of his Social Democrat counterpart in another foreign policy area with important historical significance: his ongoing support of German minorities in Eastern European countries.

Ealier this year, Stoiber called for the lifting of the so-called Benes Decree in the Czech Republic, which was formulated by exiled Czechoslovak President Edvard Benes during World War II, and led to the expulsion of 2.5 million Sudeten Germans from what was then Czechoslovakia after the war.

Stoiber said if the Czech Republic did not repeal the decree, the country should be barred from EU membership. His counterpart Schröder, however, has been careful not to take too strong stand on an issue which is still somewhat of a taboo topic in German politics.

Increased weight in Europe

The Christian Democrats' chancellor candidate has also lamented what he describes as "Germany's loss of influence in Europe". He specifically accuses Germany's current government, led by Schröder, of dragging its feet with France, once the country's closest EU ally. Stoiber has said he will seek to reinvigorate the relationship if he is elected.

He also says he will support Russian reform efforts and will allow himself to "speak openly" and honestly if the reform process gets held up.

In addition he wants to anchor the German language more strongly into EU institutions.