On 13 October, Foreign Minister Wadephul is participating in the Warsaw Security Forum. This international security conference brings together high-level representatives from the world of politics, diplomacy and security to discuss the key challenges facing Europe and the transatlantic alliance.

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine remains the biggest threat to peace and security in Europe. At the same time, hybrid attacks and violations of NATO airspace show that the threats to security have long extended beyond Ukraine’s borders. In this context, Poland – as Ukraine’s immediate neighbour and a key partner on NATO’s eastern flank – plays a special role.

It is therefore clear to Germany and its European partners that Europe’s security can only be safeguarded if we all work together. This requires a strong NATO, a more capable European defence, and close coordination with our allies. Foreign Minister Wadephul will be discussing this with his Polish, British and Norwegian counterparts in Warsaw today.

Stepping up the pressure on Russia

A further important subject on the agenda will be how to step up the economic and political pressure on Russia. On 12 October, the EU agreed its largest ever package of listings, sanctioning over 1600 companies and individuals from Russia in one fell swoop. The package primarily targets Putin’s war economy, sanctioning 1569 companies from the armaments and military sectors and their executives. This includes actors in the production chain for the drones and missiles who bear a share of the responsibility for Russia’s barrage of missile strikes on Ukrainian towns and its hybrid attacks on European targets, including the attempted drone attack in Leipzig.

Security in the Black Sea: Repercussions far beyond Europe

Maritime security in the Black Sea will be a major topic in the discussion. The latest drone attacks against merchant ships make it clear that Russia’s war of aggression has repercussions far beyond Ukraine.

These attacks endanger not only the safety of international shipping, but also vital grain supplies. Many countries, particularly in North Africa and other parts of the Global South, are dependent on imports from the Black Sea region. If the war restricts exports, the risks to food security increase. The impact is felt most strongly by those already suffering from hunger and malnutrition. The crisis hits the poorest hardest. Germany is therefore working for a ceasefire in the Black Sea that will allow safe grain exports from Ukraine and Russia.