Germany–Yugoslavia_relations
Germany–Yugoslavia relations
Bilateral relations
Germany–Yugoslavia relations were post–World War I historical foreign relations between Germany (Weimar Republic, Nazi Germany, Allied-occupied Germany, West Germany and post-reunification Germany until 1992) and now split-up Yugoslavia (both the Kingdom of Yugoslavia or the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia). The relations between the two countries and societies have been marked by an extensive and complicated history.
The Germans of Yugoslavia (mostly Danube Swabians) in the interwar Kingdom of Yugoslavia were one of the largest minority groups in the country. German-led Axis powers initiated invasion of Yugoslavia on 6 April 1941 initiating the traumatic period of World War II in Yugoslavia.
After World War II, in addition to West Germany, Yugoslavia maintained relations with East Germany as well. Contrary to countries which were part of the Eastern Bloc, socialist but non-aligned Yugoslavia developed significant economic, cultural and tourist and Gastarbeiter mobility and cooperation with West Germany during the Cold War period. Political relation were affected by the decision of Belgrade to formally recognize East Germany but were nevertheless significantly improved with the initiation of Ostpolitik.