The Russian war on Ukraine has put in question many assumptions of German foreign policies, especially its decades-old Ostpolitik, which was premised on Russia as the principal and stable partner and supported by almost all political parties. Parts of Eastern Europe – especially Belarus and Ukraine – were perceived more as “Russia´s neighbours” rather than subjects in their own right. Germany is currently embarking on the process of developing a foreign security strategy. It is critical that the mistakes of the past are sufficiently factored, and that Germany adopts a forward-leaning position in the East and beyond, understanding that the internal (mis)governance of other states affects German interests and values. The project looks to draw on these processes and DRI’s current openings in advising the Foreign Ministry, to ensure a much better integration of democracy and human rights in the foreign policy thinking of Germany.