Overview

• Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told the assembled heads of mission they are the “eyes and ears of Germany” and tasked them with front-line persuasion and reporting.
• He warned that Europe is at war as Russia attacks the security order, said Germany will contribute to security guarantees for Ukraine, and urged greater national responsibility for defense.
• Wadephul cited concurrent crises, describing the situation in Gaza as the largest current humanitarian emergency while also highlighting Sudan and climate‑threatened states, and he said such responsibilities carry costs that must be reflected in the budget.
• Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed the conference as the first chancellor in 25 years to open it, pressing for a pragmatic, interests‑driven foreign and security policy that aligns external engagement with domestic security and prosperity.
• The four‑day meeting brings leaders of roughly 230 missions together under the motto “Security, Freedom, Prosperity,” with envoys instructed to campaign for Germany’s 2027–28 UN Security Council bid and a Tuesday session set to focus on foreign trade featuring Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen.