This study has demonstrated that Germany's fo r eign policy towards the Gulf can only be understood in the context of the European Union a nd the policies of its majo r EU partners. Still, European intergration remains characterized by the tension between supranational a nd intergovernmental principles. Germany's role clearly reflects this reality: there is no longer a distinct German policy regarding the issues covered by the first pillar of European integration, particularly economic, monetary a nd security policy areas, the second pillar, the EU stil cedes most autho r ity to its member states. أقرأ أقل