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Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has defended himself against accusations that he is too concerned with Germany's foreign policy and not enough with its domestic policy. He said he was surprised by such accusations, because foreign policy also serves to defend peace and freedom at home, Merz said at the start of the 23rd Ambassadors' Conference at the Foreign Office in Berlin. The conference brings together the heads of around 230 German missions abroad once a year to discuss current foreign and security policy issues.

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According to Merz, domestic, economic, trade, defense, and foreign policy can no longer be neatly separated from one another. In view of a new systemic conflict between liberal democracies and an axis of autocracies, Europe now faces the very fundamental task of creating a new security architecture that should be sustainable for decades to come. “If we want to be able to act, we must think strategically and in a networked manner. To do this, we need a pragmatic foreign and security policy that is geared towards our interests and those of Europe.”  Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul had previously emphasized that this was the first time in 25 years and a special honor that a German chancellor was once again opening an ambassadorial conference. The last time this happened was when Gerhard Schröder (SPD) did so.

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Germany sees itself as a global player and wants to help shape the new world order, the chancellor emphasized. However, it still has some homework to do, especially in terms of competitiveness and defense capabilities. The German-French partnership is setting the pace in this regard. Merz described it as “the heart of Europe, beating powerfully once again.” The CDU politician did not address France's current domestic political problems. He accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of having imperialist plans that would not end with the conquest of Ukraine, but would only begin then. Everything points to this, he said. NATO remains the backbone of a new security architecture, even if the European pillar needs to be strengthened. The relationship with the US is changing. “We in Europe must also realign our interests.” We are committed to a close partnership, but it will diminish. Germany must therefore be even more proactive in building new partnerships. “As an industrialized country with few natural resources, we cannot afford to become dependent again. That makes us vulnerable to blackmail.” With China, for example, we are seeking cooperation, but at the same time we recognize that systemic rivalry is increasing.

Merz expressly praised his Foreign Minister for doing a good job. The cooperation between the Federal Chancellery and the Foreign Office went smoothly from the start. "Dear Joe, I would like to express my sincere thanks to you for taking on this office in such turbulent times. With your strong compass, you have proven in a very short time that you are the right person to lead this office.“ In his opening remarks, Wadephul himself had spoken of ”Team Germany," which pursues a coherent foreign policy in which there is no petty squabbling with other departments on the part of the office. He apparently made these statements in reference to alleged or actual disagreements between himself and the Chancellor.

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The audience in the packed historic “Weltsaal” hall of the Foreign Office – which once served as the cash hall of the German Reichsbank – particularly appreciated the fact that both the Foreign Minister and the Chancellor thanked the staff and families of the diplomats for their commitment and dedication. Around 13,000 people work for German diplomacy worldwide. Tomorrow, Tuesday, the ambassadors will meet with company representatives. The Business Day will begin with a discussion between Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen and Foreign Minister Wadephul. gd

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