| | Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul issued the following statement today (28 September 2026) prior to his departure for The Hague, Bratislava and Strasbourg: | | | |  | | International rules are only as strong as our commitment to enforcing them. Particularly in a day and age when international institutions are increasingly being called into question, we must clearly endorse these rules, together with our partners across the globe.
Among our very closest partners are our neighbours in the Netherlands. We share with them the steadfast conviction that dependable rules are an advantage for all stakeholders – whether it be when engaging in business and trade or safeguarding fundamental international norms.
In addition to conducting my first official visit to the foreign ministry of the Netherlands, while in The Hague, my Dutch counterpart Tom Berendsen and I will also visit the International Criminal Court. It is central in the fight against impunity for the most serious crimes that impact the international community, and it serves justice in precisely those cases for which national judiciaries are either unable or unwilling to act. Germany will contribute to ensuring that the ICC remains capable of action, even under pressure. As the second-largest financial contributor to the Court, we are working with other states to maintain its functioning. Germany is mindful of its own history and knows what the outcome can be when state power overrides the rule of law and humanity. Therefore, for Germany, supporting the ICC is not only a matter of foreign policy; it is also part of our historical responsibility.
Strengthening international jurisdiction will also be on the agenda when I am at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg; during my visit there tomorrow, I have, among other things, been invited to attend a session of the Parliamentary Assembly. The European Convention on Human Rights and the Court of Justice of the European Union are central achievements of our continent when it comes to defending democracy and the rule of law. Confidently standing up for these values is more crucial than ever, given the current anti-democratic and authoritarian trends. Therefore, we are committed to strengthening the Council of Europe as a pan-European voice for the rule of law.
During my visit to Slovakia, as well, I will underscore how important it is for us to jointly defend and protect the values for which our continent stands. Germany and Slovakia are partners in both the EU and NATO. In Europe, we must be able to rely on collective action – especially when our security is threatened. In order to deter Russia from engaging in further adventurism, it is essential that we strengthen our joint defensive capabilities and that we maintain our support for Ukraine. If Europe wants to be capable of action, all member states must assume responsibility for this.
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