The crisis-hit Middle East – diplomacy and humanitarian responsibility

The security situation in the Middle East deteriorated rapidly over the weekend. Today’s meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council will therefore focus on how to prevent further escalation and restore stability in the region. The EU member states agree that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons. It is now indispensable for Tehran to return to the negotiating table and make credible diplomatic efforts.

The dramatic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains another key concern. The territory continues to face a catastrophic lack of supplies – its people are not receiving anything close to sufficient humanitarian assistance. Germany and its EU partners are united in urging Israel to allow more supplies to enter Gaza.

The Foreign Affairs Council will today also adopt a fundamental roadmap for the EU’s Syria policy – something that Germany has played a pivotal role in. The focus is on economic reconstruction in Syria. After years of civil war, the sanctions on the country have now been eased and there is an opportunity to open up new economic prospects – an important step towards stability and sustainable development in the region.

Strengthening Ukraine, continuing to weaken Russia

The EU Foreign Ministers will today also reiterate their shared goal of providing Ukraine with long-term support – politically, economically and militarily. Only from a position of strength can Ukraine successfully counter Russia’s aggression. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha will join the meeting in Brussels to report firsthand on the current situation in his country.

As long as President Putin shows no serious readiness to negotiate and does not agree to an immediate ceasefire, it will be necessary to maintain the pressure on Russia. The EU’s eighteenth package of sanctions particularly targets Russia’s “shadow fleet” of ageing, uninsured tankers that the country is using to circumvent international sanctions and help finance its war of aggression. These ships pose not only a major security risk but also a huge threat to the environment, particularly in the sensitive Baltic Sea area, due to the likelihood of accidents.

Sanctions having an impact

The sanctions are having a tangible impact. The G7 countries have already frozen Russian state assets worth 300 billion dollars. The oil price cap and the EU oil sanctions are depriving Russia of significant income, in the billions, which could otherwise be used to finance its illegal war of aggression. Russia’s tax income from the raw materials sector is at its lowest level since July 2023.

The EU Foreign Ministers will today also discuss the rigorous implementation of the EU’s strategy for protecting against hybrid threats, such as disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks or acts of sabotage from Russia.

New targets for NATO – sharing responsibility, strengthening security

NATO remains the backbone of our collective defence, in Europe as in North America. In light of the ongoing threat posed by Russia, it is essential to significantly increase defence spending. The NATO Summit in The Hague will therefore focus on enhancing the Alliance’s military capabilities and making them fit for the future.

In concrete terms, NATO Secretary General Rutte is aiming for a new target of 5% of gross domestic product for defence-related spending – consisting of 3.5% for NATO’s actual capabilities and 1.5% for supplementary measures such as civil defence, military mobility and security-related infrastructure. This comprehensive approach underlines the fact that security is a task for the whole of the state – from the army to the administration, from the street to digital infrastructure.

As a logistical hub in the heart of Europe, Germany has a particular responsibility. Only effective military mobility can ensure that personnel, machinery and equipment can be transported swiftly and securely via road, rail, water and air in the event of a crisis.