The economic situation of the GDR deteriorates dramatically. Since 13 December 1981, the day on which martial law was imposed in Poland, the West has not allowed the Eastern Bloc states to take up new loans.more
9-11 June
1982
Ronald Reagan, Helmut Schmidt and Richard von Weizsäcker at Checkpoint Charlie, 1982. (Photo: The Federal Government, Photographer: Engelbert Reineke)
US President Ronald Reagan is on a trip to West Germany and West Berlin, where he visits Charlottenburg Palace and Checkpoint Charlie. In West Berlin, there are both peaceful and violent demonstrations against the NATO policy of further building up its arsenal.
18 June
1982
West Germany and East Germany agree on an extension of the interest-free overdraft ("Swing") for the GDR. In return, the GDR raises its annual sum for non-commercial payments.
The SED also retrospectively strips all people who have left the GDR illegally before 31 December 1980 of their GDR citizenship. This means they are now exempt from punishment under GDR law and can travel to the GDR for visits.less
29 June
1982
In Geneva, negotiations begin between the USA and the Soviet Union on the reduction and limitation of strategic weapons ("START").
