In response to the drone attack on the Leipzig airport, the German government is reportedly considering imposing sanctions on the Russian House in Berlin. According to information gathered by Spiegel, terminating the agreement with Russia that governs the operation of the Russian House is no longer considered out of the question.
This contract, which outlines the “activities of cultural and information centers,” dates back to 2011 and regulates the cultural center located on Friedrichstraße in Berlin. It is subject to a termination clause every five years, with the next possible effective date being June 7, 2027.
When asked by Spiegel about the possibility of terminating the agreement as soon as feasible, the Foreign Office responded that the Federal Government is currently conducting a comprehensive and continuous review of the international treaty basis of the Russian House. This review includes evaluations regarding the specified agreement, driven by Russia’s actions against German cultural mediators and organizations, as well as the backdrop of increasing hybrid activities by Russia.
However, previously, the central debate within Germany focused on arguments against canceling the agreement. This is partly because the contract also governs the operation of the Goethe Institutes in Moscow and St. Petersburg, and it is anticipated that Moscow would reciprocate by shutting down the German cultural institutions if the agreement were terminated.
