Why beer plays a crucial role in the UK-Germany friendship treaty
Going for a beer is important for building friendships. Jessica Mason hopes we never overlook the social value of beer, which even has geopolitical benefits.
I’ll wager there are wildly different emotions conjured from being called into a work meeting versus being asked for “a quick chat over a pint”. We are, I think, hard-wired to stifle an inward sigh at the thought of an officious consultation compared to how we might feel about going to the pub.
At the pub there is the promise of laughter, refreshment and the kind of conversations that remind us we are human. We consider different perspectives and, the genial lubrication of beer and the informality of a bar helps us to relax. We talk about the big things and the little things. We set the world to rights.
I was considering this because a recent political debate on the topic of the UK-Germany friendship treaty had specifically highlighted the importance of beer in supporting the alliance between countries.
Discussing the imminent treaty via the think tank UK in a Changing Europe (UKICE), Ed Turner, co-director for Aston Centre for Europe and acting chair of the International Association for the Study of German Politics mulled the topic along with Nicolai von Ondarza, head of EU/Europe Research Division at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP). And as part of their musings, they mentioned how beer could support agreeable relations between the countries.
The duo considered the relationship and noted how fundamental it was to consider involving parliamentarians in both countries to help to create the new treaty. But they pointed out that ministerial-level meetings were “simply not sufficient” in such matters.
Why? Perhaps, because nobody actually makes real friends in a stoic setting. Or it could be because even though we know handshakes are perfectly fine, they’re not exactly a backslapping embrace. And this is the point: you don’t see so many hugs, smiles and cheery waves between pals at conferences and networking forums, do you?
To give you a bit of background, the “friendship treaty” as it has now been coined, will primarily focus on areas like our national security and defence policies as well as other topics like immigration and shared environmental targets.
In so many ways, the big decisions over working together in a more unified way (and with a greater understanding of one another’s considerations and values) was unlikely to be a seamless journey if the people making all of the big decisions simply didn’t ‘get’ one another. With this in mind, the suggestion was tabled that “relationships of trust” are often built more informally, over a drink, for instance.
The debate essentially went on to identify how forming the new agreement really needed those working together behind the scenes of each of the governments to become more involved in forming the treaty and, also, better-acquainted with one another while doing so.
Amid the discussion, it was also flagged how vital hints of informality were to people when building real relationships with others. A relaxed setting can do wonders. Could it be that the ease of simply ‘going for a beer’ with someone could lead to those people agreeing elements of a deal or building a genuine connection based on consideration?
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Just think about it. As you’re bringing in the first round, or as you’re tearing that crisp packet into a shareable open silver blanket of snacks, you’re figuratively also saying something else important: “I’m all right, you know? I’m a decent person.” Putting your hand in your pocket and being a sharing, caring type can be emitted with such unconscious serenity.
Looking at the discussions over why beer is considered to be important to such a political debate, the think tank stated how “interaction in the margins of such gatherings, informal comparison, a quiet coffee or beer, making plans for a mutual visit to constituencies or a joint op-ed in the newspaper, form the basis of relationships of trust and are at least as important as the substance of the meeting itself”.
This is how we make friends, allies and reach conclusions over life decisions. Making time never goes unnoticed.
Add into this, how bilateral relations between the UK and Germany have grown in importance. These days, specifically looking at the topic of ‘beer’ for both countries, it is clearly an industry that needs support from ministers with immediacy. While Germany’s domestic sales are waning, its export agreements have become ever-essential too. The UK can also help here.
Here in Britain, the beer and pub sector has also faced myriad challenges over the past few years in the form of rising costs and taxes and these events have led to a sweep of British breweries calling it a day and pubs closing their doors forever. Honestly, it’s a depressing situation for so many and yet still we plough on because, as a nation, we believe in beer. Even if we do get really het up about priees, some might say that it’s only because we care.
The common ground between the UK and Germany remains to be our shared adoration of brewing. Indeed, beer is hugely important for us. For each, the traditions that have stemmed from our individual beer histories have greatly influenced each country’s inherent social culture.
For instance, the UK has cask ale as well as a plethora of public houses and Germany has its Purity Law, known as the Reinheitsgebot, and its lagering methods using decoction-mashing as well as its legacy of brews from Munich to Bavaria. Really, we are both beer countries.
The discussions on the topic of the treaty may have highlighted how MPs can, of course, meet one another at a range of events, but insisted that arguably getting together more casually with a glass in hand does tend to lend something that resembles a more genuine cordiality and a neighbourliness. Or, a real relationship. One where you stop and actively listen. And where you hear the other person properly when they’re speaking, because they’re your mate and, well, you’re interested in what they have to say.
The argument proffered by UKICE is summarised by reminding us all how “friendships are founded on relationships of trust, built and sustained over time”. It also emphasises how “both governments, and MPs in each country, need to ensure that parliamentary links are integral to the UK-Germany treaty, to ensure that [a] friendship develops that is truly worthy of the name”.
Honestly, it’s so simple: Go for a pint and invite your mates. Invite their mates. Invite the people you hope might become your mates. Buy the first round and just see what happens.
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