Next year, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Italian Republic – and thus the beginning of our close and trustful cooperation in shaping the shared project that is European integration. I very much look forward to celebrating this landmark.

But this year also marks an important anniversary for German-Italian relations that cannot go unmentioned. One of the great ambassadors of mutual understanding celebrated his 65th birthday, a true legend on both sides of the Alps.

His name is Rudi Völler.
Il tedesco volante.

Wearing the Giallorossi jersey, he won the Coppa Italia with AS Roma in 1991. We have fond memories of his 5 footballing years in Rome – 68 goals in 198 matches.
Right now, he is once again busy rescuing the German national team, this time not as a player or coach – he has done that already – but as sporting director.

With his career, he shows: German and Italian recipes for success are often the same.

And the exchange of skilled workers ultimately contributes to the success of both countries.

That is true for football – but also for so much more. After all, our nations share far more than footballing history. Germany and Italy have the same DNA when it comes to the European project.

As founding members of what would later become the European Union, our two nations understood early on that reconciliation, cooperation and shared prosperity were the only sustainable path forward for our continent.

Together, we laid the groundwork for an unprecedented union of peace and democracy. And even if people seem to enjoy downplaying the achievements of the EU and focusing on its assumed shortcomings, the truth is in fact:

We are a historically successful union! We are stronger together. And we are strong!

Excellencies,

When I outline my foreign policy agenda – also in Germany – I do so based on three core interests: security, freedom and prosperity. And this interest-driven foreign policy is what I would like to talk to you about today.

I am convinced that in today’s world – for Italy and Germany alike – we need to focus more strongly on our interests. And I believe that, as core partners, Germany and Italy share many of them.

Germany is Italy’s most important trading partner, while Italy also plays a leading role in Germany’s foreign trade.

In their industrial foundations, our countries are very similar. Our economic structure is very much alike. This is the bedrock of successful cooperation and this is what we want to continue strengthening.

For example, in the steel industry, but also the chemical and automotive industry. Italy faces major challenges similar to those in Germany. Particularly due to pressure from Chinese competitors, often stemming from unfair and distorting subsidies. Our recent Italian-German Dialogue on Steel highlighted opportunities for cooperating on key challenges.

Germany and Italy are both convinced: free trade and an open Europe is a driver of growth and prosperity. Especially at a time when protectionist tendencies and economic coercion is increasing, we must jointly advocate open markets and fair competitive conditions.

At the same time, we need to cut red tape in Europe – to relieve companies and promote innovation. Less bureaucracy, faster approval processes, access to finance for innovative companies and a simplified legal system are crucial to strengthening our economy.

The same goes for space. We stand at a turning point for European space policy. Italy and Germany – unsurprisingly, given their dynamic industries – are playing a leading role. Italy knows how to set the course for the New Space Economy and is investing strategically in the future. It is therefore of crucial importance that we actively support this development and deepen our cooperation with Italy.
Colleagues,

Just the other week, the United States published its national security strategy. For all of us, the US remains our most important ally. Europe and the US are historically, economically and culturally interconnected.

However, we do not agree with the way Europe is addressed, which attacks what binds our societies together.

The European Union is a success story. If the EU did not exist, we would have to invent it.

We have weathered many storms together. There can be no doubt that, once again, we Europeans will make the necessary adjustments to master the new challenges.

Thus, we must ask ourselves today: What can we do in Europe to strengthen our resilience? What can we do in Europe in particular to strengthen our competitiveness and make our economies more robust?

For Germany and Italy, the answer can only be found in deeper cooperation. Cooperation within the EU for instance to diversify trade relations and sources of critical minerals.

That is why we, the EU, need to take a positive decision this week to finalise the EU-Mercosur Agreement. We are counting on Italy’s support for this strategic endeavour in this challenging geoeconomic world.

Our two countries have long understood that stability is not guaranteed. It must be built. That is why we are such close partners in the European Union, in the G7 and in NATO. And that is why our defence partnerships matter so profoundly.

With the joint venture between Rheinmetall and Leonardo, we strengthen our joint defence capabilities. Our industries cooperate successfully on submarines, the Eurodrone and the Eurofighter. The first Defence Round Table in Berlin showed how we intensify the exchange of expertise and technology. And also contribute to European sovereignty.

Take Ukraine, for example. We welcome the efforts of the US Administration to end Russia’s brutal and illegal war of aggression and to work toward a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

Ukraine can count on our support. The latest Ukraine Recovery Conference here in Rome made that clear.

And as negotiations are ongoing in Berlin this evening, we Italians and Germans agree that there can be no decision about Ukraine without Ukraine.
No decision about European security without the involvement of us Europeans.
Borders must not be changed by force.
No matter how the talks now underway end, one thing must be clear to all of us:
Russia remains an aggressive and imperialist country.
Putin is at the very least creating the option for a war against NATO – because he is rearming on an unprecedented scale, far beyond the needs of his senseless war in Ukraine.

We must prepare for that.

And at the same time – as both our countries are doing – we need to continue to strengthen Ukraine militarily.

Another dimension of Russian aggression is visible in the Western Balkans. A region where political interference has become a tool of power. This influence is not abstract. It directly targets democratic institutions and seeks to undermine the European trajectory of our partners.

It targets the core objective of our EU accession policy: A stable, democratic framework which strengthens the security of the entire Balkans. And protects our economic links and prevents external actors from exploiting vulnerabilities in our immediate neighbourhood. That´s the very reason our two countries work toward accession of the frontrunners amongst the candidates.

But Russia’s aggression is not the only challenge we face.
Across the world, we are witnessing humanitarian crises of unimaginable scale – for example in Sudan, where there are apocalyptic levels of hunger, flight and displacement.

Generally, the Europeans will have to foster their partnership with African countries. Again, a promising field of cooperation between Italy and Germany. In particular in light of the geopolitical competition. Italy brings in unique expertise.

In Israel, and I am very glad about that, all the surviving hostages were able to return. And even though there is now, fortunately, a fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the people there continue to need urgent help. Our help. I am glad that we issued today a joint statement regarding an improvement of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

If we talk about European stability, we also have to talk about European migration policy. Germany, together with like-minded countries, continues to actively advocate for the EU Commission to work on innovative solutions in migration policy.

Excellencies,

In Berlin, as in Rome, we have asked ourselves: How should foreign policy be structured in these times?

One thing became very clear: We need to adapt. Adapt to the new priorities imposed on us by the global situation. Changes on our continent and in the world are affecting us rapidly. I know that this is an issue for you as well.

In Germany, we also have to adapt to budgetary realities. This means reducing our staff by 8% over the next four years. To do that, we need to change how we work.
We therefore will fundamentally restructure Germany’s Foreign Office. We will strengthen regional portfolios and in parallel enhance our effectiveness in the areas of security policy, the international order and geoeconomics and of course Europe.

Excellencies,

Let me end on a broader truth. In the last 75 years, whenever Germany and Italy faced great challenges, we have ultimately found the same answer.

An answer that is larger than either of us alone. An answer that has delivered peace and stability for generations. The solution to our problems is Europe. And that is not an abstract idea.

It is the very reason our industries can grow. Why our democracies are protected. Why our voice carries weight in the world. Today, it is upon us to make this idea work in our changing and challenging times.

And that is why we are working on enlarging the European Union. This is a geopolitical necessity. Enlargement will only make the EU stronger, but only if the EU in parallel reforms itself. In order to become more competitive again and in order to play its role in the field of security and defence.

As Antonio Tajani said a few days ago, Europe needs courage; and Italy has a major role to play. With the government consultations next January we want to take our relations to a new level. In that regard, let me highlight and thank you for the excellent working relationship between our two foreign ministries ranging from informal calls at working level to state secretary consultations.

2026 is a year of opportunity for Italy and Germany. Let us make full use of its potential. In the interest of both our countries and of Europe.

Thank you very much.