On the final day of the Ambassadors’ Conference at the Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul focused on the international perception of German foreign and security policy. The top diplomat emphasized that he encounters no skepticism abroad regarding German military spending, “but rather gratitude and trust.”

The CDU politician urged the German ambassadors to take action at their posts abroad. “You, too, dear heads of mission, should advocate in your host countries for greater support for Ukraine.”

“The world is watching us”

He said he was aware that German diplomats abroad were increasingly being asked questions about NATO and cohesion. “The world is watching us and our security policy actions, and whether we will prove ourselves in this time of geopolitical tension.” The presence of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte can be seen as an indication of this: Rutte is the first NATO Secretary General ever to have participated in a conference of ambassadors organized by the Federal Foreign Office.

Germany is now Ukraine's biggest bilateral supporter and will continue to stand by the country's side. Wadephul gave figures: “This year, Germany is investing 124.7 billion euros in 'hard' defense capabilities — probably around 2.7 percent of our gross domestic product. ”

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“By 2029, it is expected to be at least 3.5 percent—likely exceeding 150 billion euros by then. Added to that are investments in defense-related infrastructure. We’re already at 1.5 percent in that area,” Wadephul said, providing a key argument for German ambassadors around the world.

The largest investments are currently flowing into defense. Wadephul acknowledged that this is true. But foreign policy also needs financial backing, he said, because the best security policy is a good foreign policy. “It is our foreign policy that makes Germany safe.”

Regarding the numerous drone incidents and airspace violations, he emphasized: “We must not delude ourselves. Russia is not only threatening us militarily on our eastern flank and relentlessly continuing its war of aggression against Ukraine. We are also seeing more and more hybrid attacks, cyberattacks, covert activities, sabotage, disinformation, and attacks on critical infrastructure.”

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NATO Under Political Stress

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Germany is strengthening the European pillar in NATO because this strengthens the alliance as a whole. “And we still need our transatlantic connection — especially at a time when NATO is being subjected to a political stress test, both from the outside due to the threat from Russia, and from the inside when transatlantic cohesion is called into question.”

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Rutte’s appearance marked the end of the annual three-day event at the AA on Thursday. Meanwhile, traffic chaos reigned in Berlin-Mitte. Many roads in the district were closed due to the state visit by the President of the United Arab Emirates.

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