Nearing the end of her career, German chancellor is determined to preserve and defend multilateralism

State papers

State Papers: Haughey and Thatcher only held one hour of discussions in the year

Former Trabant factory begins turning out the most modern VW ever

Germany is challenged now to adjust to a more multipolar and fragmented world requiring greater sharing of its economic and political power at European level

German chancellor travels to G20 summit as planned and spokesman says she is in good health

Leader of centre-right ÖVP party blamed by opposition for allowing populists into power

His 40 years in the EU have given Irish diplomat David O’Sullivan a front-row view of history

We must learn to understand that the union is all about protecting the safety and prosperity of its citizens

The founding of the single currency was a landmark moment for the EU and has delivered big gains for businesses and consumers

Stability of euro key to Berlin amid external pressures on EU from China and the US

The first part of a series examines the trade-offs made in joining the single currency

The underestimated easterner steered Germany through crisis. But her pact with voters finally shattered

Bush could claim to have been one of the most successful foreign-policy US presidents

French president to meet May, Merkel and Mali president during Alsace-Moselle events

Leaders in France and Germany are looking over their shoulders at right-wing elements at home

Fake news tweet causes palpitations in Berlin as hectic weekend of shuttle diplomacy looms

Italian election has brought country's former leader back to the centre of its political debate

Davos: Leo Varadkar cites European past in which big countries over-ran little ones

Files reveal taoiseach spoke to French president the day after Supreme Court decision

Chief of auto industry lobby group VDA says German carmakers still well regarded abroad

SPD leader urges closer EU integration and describes Ireland as ‘accomplice’ in Apple tax case

Veteran politician takes over as Bundestag president at critical juncture in parliament’s history

The film director, a friend and confidant of the chancellor, describes her as ‘authentic’

For the first time since the early 1960s, the far-right will have a presence in the Bundestag

Far-right party enters parliament for the first time in over 50 years

For Merkel, ‘Macron arrived just in time, like Zorro’, says chancellor’s biographer

Quedlinburg’s restoration has brought tourists and business, but many challenges remain

German elections provide perfect opportunity for Merkel to lay out her vision for Europe and Germany’s place in it

London Letter: The prime minister remains powerless despite an impressive interview

The union has to become the standard bearer in the fight against economic inequality

Bundestag approves same-sex marriage as chancellor appeases party conservatives

Former chancellor of Germany oversaw reunification and became ‘European patriot’

Germany’s late leader asked for a ‘European state ceremony’. Was he settling scores?

Sons accuse stepmother of shutting them out in last years of ‘unity chancellor’s’ life

Chancellor paid tribute in 1996 to Charles Haughey’s role in German unity process

Country’s longest-serving postwar chancellor was driving force behind the euro

Duke of Edinburgh’s reputation for plain speaking has led to controversy

Pro-EU Schultz and Macron could provide leadership in fixing epic euro zone disaster

Hitler anniversary sees US president walk similar line between leadership, seduction, entrapment