Two capitals, and a strong signal: Having taken over from Annalena Baerbock as Federal Foreign Minister only yesterday evening, Dr Johann Wadephul is already today making his first trip to Germany’s closest partners in Europe, travelling to France and Poland. An itinerary that is more than a top diplomat’s first official visit: it symbolises Germany’s close ties with its European partners – and its clear-cut stance on foreign policy.

The friendship between Germany and France: the heart and motor of Europe

The first stop will be Paris – and it is a deliberate choice. The partnership between Germany and France is not a ritual, but rather forms the backbone of the European project. That is why Foreign Minister Wadephul is this morning joining Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz on a visit to the French capital. There, he will meet with his counterpart Jean‑Noël Barrot and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Continuing on together to Warsaw: the Weimar Triangle, a bridge for Europe

Afterwards, the two Foreign Ministers will be travelling to Warsaw together – thereby, as well, sending a deliberate signal. German‑Franco‑Polish cooperation in the Weimar Triangle is more important than ever today when it comes to ensuring Europe’s ability to act in a changing world. In times marked by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and change on a global scale, these three countries’ joining ranks is key for stability and cohesion within the EU.

Bilateral cooperation with Poland will also be a focus during Foreign Minister Wadephul’s trip to Warsaw. Despite their painful shared history, Poland and Germany cooperate more closely today than ever before – a partnership that is of crucial importance for Europe’s security architecture and for a balanced relationship between west and east within the European Union.

War in Ukraine, relations with Great Britain and the United States, EU enlargement: the Gymnich meeting in times marked by strategic questions

In the afternoon, what is referred to as the Gymnich meeting will get underway – a semi‑annual informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers. It provides an opportunity for candid and confidential discussions, away from protocol procedures. Their talks will once again centre around Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The EU wants to further increase its military and political support for Ukraine – with the goal of creating the conditions for future peace negotiations that will see Ukraine in a strong position. Ministers will also discuss imposing additional sanctions on Russia.

Besides Ukraine, talks will look at relations between the EU and its strategic partners that are in the spotlight. These include transatlantic relations with the United States and the EU’s relationship with the United Kingdom after Brexit. The fact that British Foreign Minister David Lammy is participating in the meeting underscores the continued close coordination between the EU and Great Britain.

Attention is also being given to EU enlargement. During their working lunch on Friday, the Foreign Ministers will discuss the next steps towards membership in the European Union with representatives of the EU candidate countries – who include Ukraine, Moldova and the countries of the Western Balkans.

A firm commitment to responsibility for Europe

With his first trip abroad, Foreign Minister Wadephul is sending a clear signal: for the continuity of Germany’s foreign policy, the country’s close partnership with France and Poland and the belief in a united Europe that is able to act. The talks in Paris and Warsaw clearly show that Germany stands by its European partners – for peace, security and the cohesion of our continent.

Especially in turbulent times, Germany will remain a reliable partner – one that is engaged, European and ready to assume responsibility.