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Transatlantic security now and in the future: Foreign Minister Wadephul is travelling to the informal meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Antalya.
Meeting in the so-called “Quint + NATO” format on the sidelines of the NATO Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Antalya © Photothek Media Lab
On 14 and 15 May, the NATO Foreign Ministers are meeting in Antalya to lay the groundwork for the NATO Summit in The Hague in June and to talk about adjusting defence spending. Read on to find out more about the meeting.
Informal meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Antalya
Once a year the NATO Foreign Ministers gather for an informal meeting, this year hosted by Turkey. This will be Foreign Minister Wadephul’s first meeting with his NATO colleagues. The tradition of holding informal meetings of NATO Foreign Ministers was begun by Germany, the first such meeting being held in Berlin in 2022. Unlike at the formal meetings of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs, in this format ministers sit around the table without their advisers, thereby creating a more intimate atmosphere for talks. Instead of prepared statements, genuine discussions and debates can take place in this informal framework, thus also strengthening trust between the NATO Foreign Ministers.
Main focus of the working session: NATO defence spending
In Antalya, the Foreign Ministers will lay the groundwork for the NATO Summit to be held in The Hague on 24 and 25 June. The main focus is the increase in defence spending that we need to strengthen our deterrence and defence and to equip NATO as well as possible with the capabilities it requires given the threat emanating from Russia. Furthermore, we want to continue providing support to Ukraine as the country defends itself in the face of Russian aggression. We therefore expect a new Defence Investment Pledge considerably higher than the existing target of two percent at the Summit in The Hague. Germany is aware of its responsibility and by reforming the debt brake enshrined in our Basic Law has laid the foundation for the necessary increase in defence spending.
Opportunity for talks with key partners
The NATO meeting in Antalya also provides an opportunity to talk to key partners. Following on from Minister Wadephul’s first official visit to Paris, the Gymnich meeting in Warsaw and the EU’s informal Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Lviv, the NATO meeting in Antalya is also a chance for the Minister to talk in person to important partners such as the United States and Turkey. Both are key partners for Germany – and essential partner countries when it comes to Europe’s security.