The world order is changing. In this phase of geopolitical upheaval, we Europeans must stand and act united and with self-confidence. In this context, the Baltic Sea region deserves our particular attention as a hotspot: we and some of our closest partners in the European Union and the NATO Alliance are exposed to Russia’s hybrid threats there. This is also where we will determine whether our cohesion and strength can ensure lasting freedom, security and prosperity in Europe.

My trip to Latvia and Sweden is the latest of several visits within a short space of time to the Baltic Sea region, where the major issues of European security are especially acute. I saw that very clearly once again just three weeks ago in Lithuania, where I visited the soldiers of the German brigade making a direct, robust contribution to security on NATO’s eastern flank.

At the Ambassadors Conference in Riga today, I will be talking with Latvia’s ambassadors about their experiences – their experiences as representatives of a country that feels Russia’s threats to Europe’s security earlier and more directly than others. Virtually no other region in the EU is as hugely affected by the hybrid activities orchestrated by the Kremlin. The Baltic region’s experiences underline our acute need for action: we cannot afford to lose any time when it comes to protecting critical infrastructure or imposing sanctions against the Russian shadow fleet. Security and resilience in the Baltic Sea region create stability for the whole of Europe.

Particularly since its accession to NATO, Sweden plays a key role for security in northern Europe – a region that is also the object of global rivalries. As a leading voice of the Nordic states, countries with which Germany has especially close ties, Sweden brings great security-policy experience and competence to the Alliance. Sweden is resolutely investing in its national security and defence capability, and has set new standards with a modern form of military service. We are all benefiting from this – in the Baltic Sea region, in Europe and in the NATO Alliance.

The transatlantic alliance remains indispensable for our security. It is this strong bond and shared fundamental interests that link us with the United States. But we cannot and will not content ourselves with that, nor will we Europeans slacken our efforts to take our own security into our own hands more in the future. It is crucial that we do not let ourselves be divided – because that is precisely what those who have an interest in seeing our defence alliance and the European Union disintegrate are aiming for.

Important debates being conducted within the transatlantic alliance must not be allowed to shift focus away from our central interest, namely freedom and security for Ukraine as a sovereign state. Putin is hoping for just such a loss of focus. For us, it is clear that Russia is and remains the greatest threat to security and freedom in Europe. The situation in Ukraine is particularly grave at the moment: following deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure, one million people are without electricity, hundreds of thousands without heating – in icy temperatures.

All the more important, then, is the signal that there is now movement towards direct talks between Ukraine and Russia and with US mediation. However, one thing must always be clear: Europe must be at the negotiating table when pan-European interests and our security are at stake. These issues of European security will be at the heart of my trip.