Scholz after phone call with Trump: killing in Ukraine must come to an end

20.12.2024: Scholz after phone call with Trump: killing in Ukraine must come to an end

Brussels (dpa) – Following his telephone conversation with future US President Donald Trump, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed confidence that Europe and the US will continue to pull together in their support for Ukraine. “But of course with the clear expectation that there will be a fair peace for Ukraine, enabling it to defend its sovereignty and putting an end to the killing,” added Scholz. “It is very clear to me that we must do everything we can to make this possible,” said the Federal Chancellor, noting that even with Trump as US President it would be necessary to coordinate Ukraine policy with the USA. “My impression is that this will be perfectly possible.”

Scholz once again expressed his opposition to the idea of a peacekeeping force in Ukraine in the event of a possible ceasefire. He said that the concrete design of a security architecture “cannot really be reasonably discussed at present”. “But from our standpoint it is has to be structured along transatlantic lines, too,” he emphasised, adding that there had been “no discussion of ground troops or anything like that, because that is not an issue at all”.

+++

19.12.2024: Baerbock emphasises the importance of Syria’s territorial integrity

Berlin (dpa) – Following the fall of the Assad regime, Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has called on all sections of the population to participate in the renewal process in Syria. In order to ensure a peaceful transition, the rights of all ethnic and religious communities must be taken into account, said Baerbock in the Bundestag.

She also warned against undermining the Syrian dialogue process from the outside: “If we want peace in the region, the territorial integrity of Syria must not be called into question,” said the Minister. “Permanent occupation of the Golan violates international law." Following the uprising in the neighbouring country, Israel’s army invaded the buffer zone to Syria on the Golan Heights and is apparently considering long-term control of the area.

Baerbock also announced that this week she would be travelling to Turkey, which likewise shares a border with Syria. The Minister paid tribute to the role of the Kurds in the fight against the Assad regime while again emphasising the need to involve all sections of the population. “I will make this very, very clear again during my visit to Turkey on Friday.”

+++

18.12.2024: German delegation meets rebel leader in Syria

Berlin (dpa) - German diplomats have initiated direct contacts with the leader of the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, Ahmad al-Sharaa in Damascus. “The talks focused on the political transition process and our expectations with regard to protecting minorities and women’s rights in order to be able to support peaceful development in Syria,” the German Federal Foreign Office said. The German delegation is led by Tobias Tunkel, the Middle East Representative of the Federal Foreign Office.

According to the Federal Foreign Office, the talks in the Syrian capital also involved the HTS representative responsible for international contacts and the education minister of the transitional government. There had also been meetings with representatives of civil society and religious communities. The visit also included an “initial inspection of the German embassy building in Damascus”.

Before the talks, the Federal Foreign Office had stressed that there would be close scrutiny of the actions of HTS and the transitional government the group has installed. “Any cooperation requires that ethnic and religious minorities be protected and that women’s rights be upheld.” 

+++

17.12.2024: Germany: 50 years of strengthening food security 

Berlin (d.de) - As a founder member and major funder of the CGIAR agricultural research network, Germany has been contributing to the development of innovative solutions to global challenges such as hunger, poverty and climate change since the 1970s. Germany has been a steadfast provider of funding for international agricultural research and the CGIAR network since its creation 50 years ago in 1974. According to information provided by the Development Ministry, new varieties adapted to the climate have been developed. The latest maize varieties are contributing $1 billion annually to the economies of the countries in Africa where they are cultivated. Some 36 million farmers are applying methods that preserve resources to maintain soil fertility and reduce carbon emissions. In the long-term, increased yields from sustainable farming practices and new crop varieties are expected to generate value equivalent to 47 billion US dollars annually. According to the Development Ministry, this would improve food security and living conditions around the world.

+++

16/12/2024: Steinmeier becomes first German President to visit Lesotho

Maseru (dpa.d/de) – During his four-day visit to Nigeria and South Africa, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Lesotho at the invitation of King Letsie III (photo). This was the first time a German head of state has visited the kingdom. Steinmeier pointed to the high levels of poverty in the country, adding that “Anyone who looks around here can see how vital it is for us to look after this country.” He referred to examples such as giving young people opportunities to enter vocational education. Germany is also contributing to a water management project. In political terms, Steinmeier said, Lesotho was closer to Germany on some issues than South Africa. “From the outset, Lesotho has condemned Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine,” he said.

Lesotho depends heavily on its major neighbour South Africa, which completely encircles the kingdom. Many people work there, such as in the mining industry. The kingdom is around the same size as the German state of Brandenburg. It has a population of 2.3 million and an unemployment rate of over 30%. Lesotho’s economy is based on agriculture and the exports of textiles, diamonds and water.

+++

13.12.2024: Baerbock calls for security guarantees for Ukraine

Berlin (dpa) – Germany and other European countries are insisting on security guarantees should there be negotiations on a ceasefire in Ukraine after US President-elect Donald Trump takes office. “Ukraine needs rigorous security guarantees. As Europeans, we need robust security guarantees without any gaps,” said Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. “This includes long-term military and financial support for Ukraine,” added the Minister. 

Ahead of deliberations by a group of representatives from France, Poland, Italy, Spain and the UK, Baerbock said: “We must not only think big for our common security but also act big and make the various instruments available that will be required for this purpose.

With regard to the situation in Syria after the fall of ruler Bashar al-Assad, Baerbock spoke of a lengthy process towards normalisation – “there are still a lot of obstacles along this path”, she said.

+++

12.12.2024: Germany increases humanitarian assistance for Syria 

Berlin (dpa) – Following the ousting of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, the German government wants to step up its engagement in Syria. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has appointed Minister of State Tobias Lindner as special coordinator for Syria. She has announced additional humanitarian assistance worth eight million euros. The minister has also offered Germany’s help with eliminating chemical weapons. “We now have the chance to keep the world safe from Assad’s chemical weapons once and for all,” she said. 

During a trip to Jordan and Iraq, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said that Europe and Germany could and should “not allow themselves to be just spectators”. He urged for the new leaders in Syria to be given a chance. He raised the prospect of Germany stepping up its engagement in the region, if this were desired. 

+++

11.12.2024: Franco-German Prize for Human Rights awarded

To mark International Human Rights Day yesterday, Germany and France announced the fourteen winners of this year’s Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law.

The prizewinners come from different countries and regions, including Israel and the Palestinian Territories. They head non-governmental organisations and are lawyers, journalists or activists working to defend the inalienable rights of each and every human being. “The prizewinners stand up for those whose voices would often not be heard without them. Under the most difficult conditions they often risk their own freedom, frequently even their lives, to defend human rights in conflicts and strengthen women and the rights of LSBTIQ+ people,” reads a statement from Germany’s Federal Foreign Office.

Since 2016, France and Germany have used International Human Rights Day as an opportunity to jointly pay tribute to individuals around the world who have shown outstanding commitment to promoting human rights. 

+++

10.12.2024: Baerbock: Protecting people in Syria and promoting the peace process 

Berlin (dpa) – Following the end of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s rule, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has warned against jumping to conclusions about the security situation in the country. After this initial sigh of relief for the people in Syria, she said, everything had to be done to ensure that the people on the ground were protected and that the peace process could progress. After all: “Nobody can foresee now or in the next few days how things will continue in Syria and what recent developments mean in terms of security policy,” said Baerbock, also noting that it was not clear “whether more people will flee the region because other extremists are now causing trouble, or whether people will be able to return to Syria.” 

09.12.2024: Support for the poorest: IDA replenishment reaches record sum

Seoul (d.de) - After a year of intense negotiations, the 21st replenishment cycle of the World Bank’s IDA fund has come to an end in the South Korean capital Seoul: thanks to donor contributions totalling 23.7 billion US dollars, the IDA - the world’s most important provider of finance for the poorest countries - will be able to invest the record sum of 100 billion US dollars in sustainable development over the coming three years. Contributing around 1.62 billion euros, Germany ranks fourth in the list of 59 donor countries. 

“Germany’s contribution is an expression of our solidarity with the poorest countries and of our reliability in the international group of donors. The record result shows the power of multilateral cooperation even in tense geopolitical times,” said German Development Minister Svenja Schulze. 

Furthermore, the 137 IDA member states have agreed to new political targets. They intend to invest more in protecting the environment and the climate, in empowering girls and women, in peace and security and in mobilising the private sector.

+++

06.12.2024: German military deployments abroad to be extended

Frankfurt am Main (d.de/BMVg) – The Federal Cabinet has given the green light to the ongoing deployment of German armed forces in international missions to the Mediterranean and South Sudan. The Bundestag is expected to approve the extensions before the upcoming general elections. The deployments are to be extended until 31 October 2025.

Through its contribution to the EU-led EUNAVFOR ASPIDES operation in the Red Sea, the Bundeswehr is protecting shipping on key trade routes against Houthi militia attacks. The maximum number of personnel which can be deployed is expected to remain unchanged at 700.

As a partner in the UN UNMISS mission in South Sudan, the Bundeswehr is helping to stabilise the region. Up to 50 military personnel carry out various functions such as staff roles in the UN headquarters in Juba and as military observers, and also by contributing their expertise on tasks involving communication, advice and support.

+++

05.12.2024: Baerbock committed to strong and effective OSCE

Valletta (d.de/AA/dpa) – The German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is travelling to Malta on 5 and 6 December for the Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The meeting will focus on the situation in Ukraine.

Russia’s war against Ukraine has shaken security and order in Europe and plunged millions of people into dire need. This is why support for Ukraine is at the top of the agenda for this year’s OSCE meeting of foreign ministers. Representatives of 57 states from North America to Central Asia will meet in the Maltese capital Valetta to discuss ways of restoring security in Europe.

The organisation has been in a state of crisis since the war began. Russia has vetoed many key decisions which require consensus. The other member states accuse Moscow of constantly undermining and blocking the work of the OSCE. At the meeting Germany is committed to ensuring that the Russian blockade does not further undermine the effectiveness of the OSCE. 

Despite these difficulties, the OSCE has achieved major successes in 2024 such as by intensifying project work in Central Asia and Eastern Europe and the ongoing monitoring of human rights violations in Russia and Belarus. Germany has provided voluntary contributions worth over 17 million euros to ensure that vital projects related to human rights, security and fighting corruption can be continued. 

Find out more about Germany’s work to promote peace and security. Foreign police - commitment to peace and security | Facts about Germany

+++

04.12.2024: Habeck extends offer of closer collaboration with Africa

Nairobi (dpa) - Germany’s Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Habeck has offered closer cooperation with African countries and called on them to create the right conditions to do so. “German investors need a safe and stable environment for their investments,” said the Minster at the opening of the 5th German-African Business Summit in the Kenyan capital Nairobi. This was fundamental both to investment, he said, and to the lives of people in African countries. Habeck noted that only 1% of German foreign investment went to Africa and that there was the potential for more. At the same time, the Economic Affairs Minister encouraged young skilled workers from Africa to come to Germany under the more relaxed opportunities for migration.

Held every two years, the German-African Business Summit is Germany’s key business conference in Africa. This year the event was attended by 800 delegates from 35 African countries and Germany.

+++

03.12.2024: Germany at the global land and drought conference in Saudi Arabia

Berlin (d.de) - Two hundred countries have sent delegations to the 16th conference on land and drought in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The German delegation to the conference of signatories to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is led by Niels Annen, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development. Germany’s key goals for the conference include improving protections for land rights and boosting participation for women and young people with regard to access to land, protection activities and land restoration. Germany is also seeking to ensure women and young people have a voice in decisions concerning land use, from the national level down to individual communities. 

“Keeping the soil in good condition makes food production, development and prosperity possible. That requires funding. However, states must also put the financial, policy and regulatory conditions in place to allow local people to invest in their own land and farm it sustainably.” Desertification and droughts are rapidly growing challenges around the world, as degradation already affects up to 40% of the world’s land areas. The UN climate secretariat is based in Bonn in Germany. 

+++

02.12.2024: Habeck attends German-African Business Summit in Kenya 

Berlin (d.de) - Economic Affairs Minister Robert Habeck is representing Germany at the 5th German-African Business Summit, which he will open on 03 December. In addition to talks with high-ranking representatives of the Kenyan government, the itinerary for Habeck’s four-day visit includes meetings to promote German-Kenyan economic ties. The focus is on renewable energy, training skilled workers, start-ups and the digital economy. Habeck is accompanied by a delegation of business leaders and members of the Bundestag.

The German-African Business Summit is Germany’s key business occasion in Africa. It is supported by SAFRI, an initiative of the Federation of German Industries (BDI) to promote business with sub-Saharan Africa. Every two years the summit brings together leading representatives of government and industry from Germany and Africa. 

+++

29.11.2024: Germany and European partners hold talks with Iran

Geneva (dpa) - Against the background of the recent growth in tensions, Germany, France and the United Kingdom held talks with Iran in Geneva on Friday. According to Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani, reappraising bilateral relations and the Middle East conflict were the focus of the talks. She added that Iran’s controversial nuclear programme and the possible resumption of nuclear negotiations would also be on the agenda. 
Germany is being represented by Günter Sautter, Political Director of the Foreign Office. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minster Majid Takht-Ravanchi is also travelling to Geneva for the talks. One of the priorities for Western diplomats in Geneva is to set out their positions and avoid escalation.

Four weeks ago the German ambassador to Iran, Markus Potzel (photo) was recalled to return to Berlin following the execution of Jamshid Sharmahd, a German citizen. Potzel has now returned to Tehran “to emphasise our concerns at a high level there,” as a spokesperson from the Federal Foreign Office said.

+++

28.11.2024: Germany and Turkey intensify energy transition cooperation 

Berlin (dpa) - Berlin and Turkey plan to expand their collaboration on renewable energy. “The time to act has come,” said Federal Economic Affairs Minister Robert Habeck at the 6th German-Turkish Energy Forum in Berlin “We have made huge progress in recent years and Turkey has great plans to decarbonise its industrial sector,” said Turkey’s Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar.He added that the energy sector was a key pillar of the collaboration between the two countries. He also proposed a minerals partnership. 

Numerous businesses agreed collaborations at the forum. For example, the German wind power firm Enercon joined with the Turkish project development specialists İş Enerji and Polat Enerji to announce their plans to supply and install wind turbines to generate up to 2500MW in Turkey and neighbouring countries. 

+++

27.11.2024 Baerbock: Ceasefire in Lebanon “ray of hope for the whole region” 

Berlin (dpa) - Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has described the ceasefire agreed between Israel and Hezbollah as a “ray of hope for the whole region”. Hundreds of thousands of women, children and families in Lebanon draw fresh hope, as could tens of thousands of people in Northern Israel, Baerbock said in Berlin. “The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah shows what can be achieved by diplomatic means,” she added. “We also urgently need a ceasefire in Gaza so that the German and other hostages can at last be released and to put an end at last to the starvation and suffering of hundreds of thousands of women, children and men.”

Baerbock said that the full implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1701 was essential to the long-term resolution of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Passed in 2006, the resolution is designed to create a buffer zone in south Lebanon. 

+++

26.11.2024: Pistorius: NATO support for Ukrainian defence industry 

Berlin (dpa) - After Russia stepped up missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, Germany and other NATO partners have pledged to increase support for defence manufacturing in Ukraine. Funding would come from interest on frozen Russian assets, said Defence Minister Boris Pistorius after a meeting in Berlin with counterparts from France, the UK, Poland and Italy. Pistorius said that Germany and other NATO states planned to support development and procurement of AI-controlled drones. Pistorius said, “Our goal is for Ukraine to be able to act from a position of strength.”He stressed that the Russian invasion of Ukraine was no longer a regional conflict, pointing to the presence of over 10,000 North Korean troops.

+++

25.11.2024: Crucial round of negotiations on UN Global Plastics Treaty gets underway in South Korea

Busan (dpa) – What is expected to be the final round of negotiations on the UN Global Plastics Treaty has begun in Busan, South Korea. In the seven-day meeting, delegates from over 170 states will negotiate the final details of an agreement to check increasing levels of plastic pollution at sea and on land by means of binding standards. 

Speaking in the run-up to the meeting, Germany’s Environment Minister Steffi Lemke (Greens) spoke of the unique responsibility of industrial countries: “In these negotiations I will be pushing for good objectives and a faster pace,” she said. “We urgently need to reduce the amount of plastic which makes its way into nature and promote a sustainable recycling economy.” Lemke stressed that plastic pollution in the oceans and natural world were an environmental crisis of fundamental importance which also puts people in danger. Explaining that microplastics and nanoplastic particles were found everywhere in human bodies, Lemke said, “We must deal with this plastic crisis in order to protect ourselves.”

Germany aims to achieve the toughest rules possible for the whole life-cycle of plastic products, a spokesperson from the Environment Ministry said. Efforts to promote a sustainable recycling economy will also feature in the treaty.

+++

22/11/2024 Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Habeck urges new trade agreement in Brussels

Brussels (d.de and dpa) – At a meeting of EU ministers for economic affairs in Brussels, Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Habeck stressed the importance of transatlantic cooperation. “In the aftermath of the US elections we need to readjust our trade policy strategy. Economic security, raw materials and energy are areas where the EU and the US can cooperate,” he said in a press statement. He also emphasised that no-one could have an interest in a trade war with the USA, but he added that, “it would be equally wrong to abandon the field.” Habeck went on to say that the European internal market was just as important to the US as the US market is for Europe.

At the same time, diversifying trade relations is a priority for the EU, with a focus on Latin America and the Indo-Pacific region. One of Habeck’s central concerns is to conclude the trade agreement with MERCOSUR, the economic alliance of the five South American states of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela. “With a population of over 700 million people, we have created one of the world’s largest free trade areas. That offers huge economic and geopolitical benefits for both sides,” Habeck explained.

+++

21.11.2024: Germany and allies condemn Russia

Warsaw (d.de) - In a joint declaration, the foreign ministers of Germany, France, Poland, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom have condemned Russia for its war of aggression against Ukraine and its systematic attacks on European security architecture. “Russia’s reckless revisionism and constant refusal to stop the aggression and engage in meaningful talks challenges peace, freedom and prosperity on the European continent and in the transatlantic area,” reads the declaration, which goes on to say that Russia is increasingly reliant on partners such as North Korea and Iran. It also describes “Moscow’s escalating hybrid activities against NATO and EU countries” as unprecedented in their variety and scale. In the declaration, the countries voice support for the military capabilities of the allies to be significantly strengthened.

+++

20.11.2024: Germany pledges more aid to Chad to help refugees

Berlin/N'Djamena (dpa) – Germany is committed to stepping up support for Chad to help provide essential supplies for refugees from neighbouring Sudan. The commitment was announced by Germany’s Development Minister Svenja Schulze on her four-day visit to Chad, which is in the Sahel region.

“The situation for people in Sudan receives too little attention. This is currently the world’s largest displacement crisis,” Schulze said. According to Schulze, over 90% of the refugees who reach Chad are women and children, but she added that “They are coming to a country which must itself combat security challenges, drought, flooding and hunger. Yet despite this, Chad is not building fences. It is showing solidarity with refugees.”

Schulze began by visiting the capital N’Djamena for talks with government and civil society representatives about the current situation and requirements. She will also be the first government minister from an EU country to visit eastern Chad when she travels to Adré on the border with Sudan in the next few days. Hundreds of refugees arrive in Adré, which is also where aid convoys cross into Sudan for people affected by famine in the Darfur region. According to Development Ministry sources, Schulze will visit temporary refugee camps, a food centre and a medical centre.

+++

19.11.2024: Germany pledges millions at climate summit

Baku (dpa) - At the UN Climate Change Conference, Germany’s Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck has pledged millions of euros to support the climate-friendly transformation of industry in poorer countries. Germany will make 210 million euros available for this purpose, the Greens politician announced in Azerbaijan.

This would be “new money”, said the climate action minister, explaining that it would come for the most part out of the budget approved for 2024. Habeck said that the UK and Canada were also donors, and that the joint initiative involved pledges totalling up to 1.3 billion US dollars to help developing countries and emerging economies.

He described it as a “call for action” aimed at securing additional pledges from governments and charities, as well as investment from the private sector.

An online platform for exchange and advice was also launched: according to Habeck, the idea is for companies or states from the Global South to be able to raise questions on the platform - about how to produce “green” concrete or steel, for example.

+++

18.11.2024: Climate summit: Habeck calls for support from China and Qatar 

Baku (dpa) – At the UN Climate Change Conference Baku, German Economics Minister Robert Habeck has called on wealthy emerging economies such as China, Saudi Arabia and Qatar to help provide climate aid for poor countries. At the UN conference in Baku which is scheduled to end on 22 November, all the developing nations joined together to demand that industrialised countries should mobilise at least $1.3 trillion in future climate funding, over 13 times current levels. While EU states fundamentally accept the need for more money, they also want countries such as China and the Gulf states to contribute. According to a 30-year-old UN definition, however, they have so far been regarded as developing states, and thus as recipient countries.

Germany will be represented by several ministers at various points throughout the COP29 summit. In addition to Economics Minister Habeck, those travelling to Baku include Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Environment Minister Steffi Lemke and Development Minister Svenja Schulze. Germany will also be represented by ministers of state from various government ministries.

+++

15.11.2024: Baerbock opposed to suspension of EU dialogue with Israel

Berlin (dpa) – Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock rejects EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell’s proposal to suspend regular political dialogue with Israel in response to the Israeli war in Gaza and Lebanon. “We are always committed to keeping channels of dialogue open. This naturally applies to Israel, too,” said a statement issued by the Foreign Office. The statement went on to say that the Association Council with its regular political dialogue offered a suitable framework for discussing compliance with the requirements of international humanitarian law and the provision of humanitarian aid to the people in the Gaza Strip with the Israeli government. “By contrast, breaking off dialogue does nobody any good,” the statement continued. 

Baerbock commented on possible sanctions if individual Israeli ministers were to break international law “by questioning the legitimacy of the Palestinians with regard to Gaza or the West Bank”. She added: “In such cases there must be sanctions at the European level.” The minister did not say what kind of sanctions were to be considered.

EU officials in Brussels told DPA that Borrell would be presenting his proposal to suspend regular political dialogue with Israel at the EU foreign ministers’ meeting on Monday. It is unlikely that the proposal will receive unanimous approval as would be required. 

+++

14.11.2024: Germany: China and Gulf states should also contribute to climate aid

Baku (dpa) - In the dispute over the trillions of dollars in climate aid needed for poorer countries, the German government also expects countries such as China and the Gulf states to contribute. 

“These are countries that have built up considerable wealth - and should also contribute something,” said Jochen Flasbarth, state secretary in Germany’s Development Ministry, at the UN Climate Change Conference in Azerbaijan. According to a 30-year-old UN definition, however, they have so far been regarded as developing states - and thus as recipient countries.

Flasbarth pointed out that China is nowadays the number one emitter of harmful greenhouse gases by far. “That is also a reason for it to contribute.”
Referring to the expectation of developing countries that industrialised states will mobilise at least one trillion US dollars per year in climate funding, the state secretary said: “It will not be possible to finance everything out of national budgets.” Instead, he believes it will be about unlocking private investment on a grand scale, and says that public monies could be used as a lever in this context. 

He explained that many countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America had untapped opportunities for climate-relevant investments - for example in wind farms, solar facilities or the production of green hydrogen.

+++

13.11.2024: Conference on biodiversity in food supply chains

Berlin – The European conference “Biodiversity in Food Supply Chains” in Berlin on 13 and 14 November is dedicated to biodiversity in global food supply chains. Environment Minister Steffi Lemke and Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir will attend the conference and give the opening speeches. In addition, experts from industry, science and environmental organisations will discuss the challenges involved and potential solutions in terms of integrating biodiversity as a key component in food systems. Issues include raising consumer awareness, incentives for farmers, the use of new technologies, risk assessment and the monitoring of supply chain data.

+++

12.11.2024: Habeck attends technology conference in Portugal

Minister of Economic Affairs Robert Habeck attends the "Web Summit" technology conference in Lisbon. He is also meeting his Portuguese counterpart Pedro Reis and conducting talks with business representatives. Habeck travelled with a delegation of twelve female company founders and eight multipliers from the German start-up scene, and he highlighted the achievements and innovations realised by female start-up entrepreneurs.

"Young and vital start-ups and technology companies from Portugal will encounter established large industrial companies and a mature landscape of medium-sized companies in Germany. The start-up and scale-up strategy announced by the EU Commission provides for countless opportunities for even more intense cooperation against this backdrop," the minister pointed out.

With around 70,000 participants, the Web Summit is among the most important tech conferences worldwide. A total of around 150 young companies from Germany and Lisbon are represented this year, 100 thereof can be found at the joint booth "German Pavillon".

+++

11.11.2024: Baerbock appeals for humanitarian assistance for Gaza

Tel Aviv (dpa) - In view of the dramatic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has used clear words to criticise Israel and demanded that it take action. “At no time in the past twelve months has so little help reached the Gaza Strip as is the case at the moment,” said the Greens politician. She said that all border crossings to Gaza needed to be opened for humanitarian assistance, adding that Israel had to do more for the civilian population - “without any excuses”.
Time and again, promises had been made by Israel “and not kept,” Baerbock continued. “A large proportion of the more than two million people there is suffering from acute malnutrition, living in unimaginable conditions.” In no other region of the world were so many children with amputations living in such a small area, she said. “Large parts of Gaza are completely in ruins,” the minister went on.

Baerbock also said that the most urgent priority before the onset of winter was for the hostages being held in the Gaza Strip by the Islamist Hamas group to be released and for the emergency supplies necessary for survival to reach the civilian population. Israel’s right to self-defence was limited by international humanitarian law, which included the stipulation that humanitarian access must be guaranteed at all times, stressed Baerbock. She called once again for a ceasefire.

+++

11.11.2024: Start of the COP29 Climate Change Conference in Baku 

Today sees the start of the 29th World Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku under the presidency of Azerbaijan. In addition to implementation of the previous year’s resolutions on energy, mitigation and adaptation targets, this year’s focus is on climate financing. After 2025, the industrial countries’ existing annual collective 100-billion-dollar target is to be replaced by the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), while international climate financing is to be placed on a broader footing. “Team Germany” is represented at COP29 by a number of federal ministers. “As a global community, we must do everything we can to keep 1.5- degree target set in Paris within reach,” said Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in the run-up to COP29. Economic Affairs and Climate Action Minister Robert Habeck emphasised that the “tripling of renewable energies by 2030, as agreed at COP28” is possible. Svenja Schulze, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, said that private climate investments would be crucial in view of the tight public budgets. “This makes it all the more important to ensure the right political framework conditions, not just in Germany but also in our partner countries,” says Schulze. “In Baku we’ll be campaigning for the signatory states to adopt measures for a circular economy,” said Environment Minister Steffi Lemke.

+++

07.11.2024: German business: tariffs would be detrimental to the USA, too

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz congratulated the future US President Donald Trump on winning the election in the USA. "Germany and the USA have been cooperating successfully for a long time to promote prosperity and freedom on both sides of the Atlantic. We will continue to do so for the benefit of our citizens," Scholz stated. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said that Trump could "rely on Germany as a strong partner of the United States of America". Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also offered her congratulations: "Germany will be a close and reliable ally of the future American government, too."

Reactions to the result of the US election from the German business sector were predominantly characterised by concern. Since Germany is an export nation, customs duties are feared in particular, as Donald Trump had announced such tariffs as part of his election campaign, aiming to protect the US economy.

"Blanket ten or even 20 percent tariffs on all imports, and 60 percent on imports from China would cause massive harm, not only for Germany and the EU, but to the US economy, too," advised the German Confederation of Industry (BDI). 

"The world needs fewer rather than more trade restrictions," stressed Dirk Jandura, president of the foreign trade association BGA. "An American President can and must never have a pure 'America first' approach," he added, saying that the USA were Germany's most important trade partner and ally in a time of global change. "We rely on a continuation of our traditionally strong transatlantic relations."

Jörg Krämer, the head economist of Commerzbank, explained: "The tariffs will not only make German goods more expensive in the USA, but they are likely to also lead to counter tariffs from the EU, and that would put further strain on foreign trade." 

+++

06.11.2024: Federal Chancellor: stability in the Horn of Africa is of great interest 

Berlin (d.de) - Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz received the Somali President Hassah Sheikh Mohamud at the Chancellery for a political discussion of the two countries' cooperation and the situation in the Horn of Africa. Scholz pointed out that Somalia and Germany were linked by a long history of close relations based on partnership. He added that both countries were determined to further deepen this partnership. Scholz promised Somalia further support in the country's fight against the terrorist organisation al-Shabab. It was "a task in which we are very willing to support the Somali government as part of the European Union's and the United Nations' missions, by contributing police officers and civilian helpers," the Federal Chancellor said. 

+++

05.11.2024: German Development Minister Schulze in Lebanon: more assistance for refugees

Beirut (dpa) - Germany’s Development Minister Svenja Schulze has pledged Lebanon, which has been badly hit by the war, further help for the millions of refugees and displaced persons there. “It is in Lebanon’s interests to stabilise the situation here, but it is also in Germany’s interests,” Schulze said during a short visit to the Lebanese capital Beirut. She said it was about enabling people to stay in the region. “If the Middle East, and Lebanon in particular, destabilise any further, we will certainly notice it in Germany too.”

60 million euros more 

To be able to better provide people in Lebanon with food, clean drinking water and healthcare, the Bundestag made an additional 60 million euros available in total to the Development Ministry in mid-October. The new assistance is the reason for the minister’s trip to Beirut. Schulze visited a community kitchen and an emergency shelter for refugees there.

Schulze voiced support for a ceasefire in the near future in the war between Israel and Hezbollah. At the same time, however, she defended Germany’s arms exports to Israel, which the German government has stepped up. “We support Israel, that is part of our raison d’état, Israel must be able to defend itself,” Schulze said after a talk with Prime Minister Najib Mikati. 

+++

04.11.2024: Baerbock: standing unshakably by Ukraine's side 

Kiev (dpa) - In view of the upcoming third winter of the war and Russia's continued attacks on infrastructure, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock assured continued support for Ukraine. "Alongside numerous partners around the world, Germany is standing unshakably by Ukraine's side," the politician from the Green Party confirmed at the start of a solidarity visit to Kiev. "We will continue to support the Ukrainian people for as long as needed to enable them to make their way to the peace they rightfully deserve."

The minister reached the capital city of Kiev on a special train. Her visit had initially been kept secret for security reasons. It is her eighth visit to Ukraine since Russia started its war of aggression almost 1,000 days ago. The minister praised the Ukrainians' resilience "despite the situation getting worse with massive Russian air strikes against civilian infrastructure, the offensives in the metropolitan region of Kharkiv and in the Donbass region, and military assistance from North Korea". Russia's President Vladimir Putin was trying to defeat people with his war of attrition, she added, saying: "We are counteracting this brutality with compassion and support," because the Ukrainians were also defending the freedom of everyone in Europe.

+++

01.11.2024: The German government shuts down all Iranian consulates general.

Berlin/New York (dpa) - The German government has closed all three of the Iranian consulates general in Germany in reaction to the execution of German-Iranian dual citizen Djamshid Sharmahd. These involve the consular authorities in Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg and Munich, with a total of 32 consular officials. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock justified this step by referring to the “inhuman act” perpetrated by the Iranian leadership. “The fact that this killing occurred in light of the latest developments in the Middle East indicates that an unjust dictatorial regime like the mullahs does not operate within the realms of normal diplomatic logic”, said Baerbock. The embassy in Berlin remains open and is responsible for consular representation of the 300,000 Iranians in Germany.

The Iranian judiciary had announced Sharmahd's execution on Monday. Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Baerbock had also sharply criticised the execution on the same day. Baerbock then summoned the head of the Irani embassy in Berlin to the Foreign Office. Djamshid Sharmahd was accused of terrorism offences and sentenced to death after a contentious trial in the spring of 2023. The accusations were vehemently denied by the German Government, his relatives and human rights activists. Baerbock demanded the release of the German citizen while he was still in detention in Iran and repeated that the EU classifies the Iranian Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organisation.

31.10.2024: Steinmeier “full of shame” for Nazi crimes in Greece

Thessaloniki (dpa) - During his three-day trip to Greece, Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has visited the site where the future Holocaust Museum is being built in Thessaloniki. “Whoever stands here and speaks as German federal president is full of shame,” Steinmeier said. Before the war, the Jewish community in Greece numbered around 80,000 people. Roughly 50,000 of them lived in Thessaloniki. From March 1943, they were deported, the majority of them to the Auschwitz extermination camp in occupied Poland, where they were murdered. Only around 12 percent survived the Holocaust. The museum is being built with German support close to the transit camp where Jews were gathered before being deported to the concentration camps.

Steinmeier then visited Athens, where he faced Greek demands for reparations. Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou reminded him right at the start of their conversation that her country had suffered damage during the Second World War and had been forced to pay out a loan to Hitler’s Germany. Steinmeier admitted Germany’s responsibility for the “atrocities” before and during the Second World War, but stressed: “We take a different view on the legal matter you mention. You know that Germany views the legal matter of reparations as settled under international law. But we nonetheless remain committed to our historic and moral responsibility.”

To conclude his three-day visit to Germany, Steinmeier is travelling to Crete today to visit the village Kandanos. It had been completely destroyed by the German Wehrmacht in 1941. Steinmeier is likely to make an official apology for this war crime. 

+++

30.10.2024 Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth in Ukraine

Odesa (dpa) - During a visit to the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa, Germany’s Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth has been shocked by the destruction. She had already been in Odesa and Ukraine in June 2022. Roth was impressed by how local residents and artists were determined to get on with their lives despite the oppressive reality of war and frequent air-raid alerts. “Despite the war, a new ballet is being rehearsed with great passion, a new opera is being rehearsed and a new exhibition of recent art, created during the war, is being shown,” said Roth. Culture offers strength and hope, she added. 

This is precisely why further German support was so important, Roth explained. “It is also a question of continuing to help them with the protection of cultural treasures, with the production of books and films, through museum cooperation and with the digitisation of artworks.” Roth believes it is important to raise the profile of Ukrainian art and Ukrainian artists in Germany, among other things by organising guest appearances and exhibitions.

+++

29.10.2024: Germany “very concerned” about prevention of UNRWA work in Israel 

Tel Aviv (dpa) - The German ambassador in Israel, Steffen Seibert, has expressed German concern regarding the Israeli parliament’s vote to ban UNRWA, the UN’s Palestine aid agency. The humanitarian situation of the men, women and children displaced in the Gaza Strip is already considered to be disastrous. “These laws will further deepen their suffering.” UNRWA is crucially important in providing them with aid – “and even more aid is still required”. Germany supported the UN aid agency with more than 200 million euros in 2023. The aid for suffering Palestinians amounts to a total of around 290 million euros in new funds since 7 October 2023. 

Luise Amtsberg, the Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid, stated: “The Israeli crack down on a UN-mandated organisation, which has been engaged in vital work since 1950, is a dangerous signal of disregard for the United Nations and for international cooperation.” On Monday evening, a massive majority in the Israeli parliament had approved the contentious draft laws prohibiting this UN organisation’s operations on Israeli territory. 

+++

28.10.2024: Our State Secretary visits Vietnam and Cambodia

Berlin (d.de) – Germany intensifies its cooperation with Vietnam and Cambodia in the fields of energy transformation and social security. State Secretary in the Ministry of Development, Bärbel Kofler, is visiting both countries and meeting their government representatives as well as international and local partners to advance cooperation in development policies. The commitment in Vietnam is especially focused on discussions concerning a socially just energy transformation. The priority in Cambodia is cooperation in strengthening social security systems and ensuring a sustainable textile industry. Other topics under discussion include vocational training, development-related vocational migration and supply chain regulations.

+++

25.10.2024: Bundestag renews anti-IS mandate in Iraq

Rostock (dpa) - The Bundestag decided to renew the anti-IS mandate until January 2026, and thus ensured continued deployment of the Federal Armed Forces in Iraq. The Islamic State terrorist organisation (IS) continues to pose a serious threat, not only for people in Iraq but for the entire region and beyond. Germany continues its involvement in the international anti-IS coalition and contributes to preventing the terrorist group from regaining strength by supporting Iraqi security staff as well as through air-to-air refuelling and air transport. The German mission focusses on establishing sustainable security structures and on long-term stabilisation of the region. Since 2013, Germany has invested some 300 million euros in stabilising areas that were liberated from the IS, for example in building up citizen-oriented police structures and counselling for victims of violence.

+++

24.10.2024: Schulze at G7 meeting with host countries in Pescara

Berlin (d.de) - The Italian G7 Presidency is hosting a meeting of G7 development ministers in Pescara. Besides the ministers, numerous host countries have been invited to attend the three-day meeting. The G7 partners want to push forward key development policy initiatives, including in the area of food security and investments in sustainable infrastructure. German Development Minister Svenja Schulze said ahead of the talks: “With its invitation to a meeting of the G7 development ministers, the Italian G7 Presidency is sending an important signal: development policy is at the heart of what the G7 does.” The importance of the meeting is evidenced in particular by the guests: “The fact that numerous BRICS states and also many other host countries are taking part in the G7 meeting shows the high degree of interest in working together.”

+++

+++