Speech

What a stirring start to this special ceremony!
Thank you so much to the Bundeswehr Concert Band.
The name of that march is ‘Viribus Unitis’. In English, it translates as ‘with united forces’. 
A sentiment that resonates deeply with us all in NATO. 
We are 32 nations strong. United in our commitment to protect all our people. 

President Steinmeier, dear Frank-Walter,
Dear all, 

Today, we mark 70 years since the Federal Republic of Germany became a member of NATO. 
Frank-Walter, I am truly honoured to welcome you to NATO Headquarters on this important occasion – 
For your country. And for our Alliance. 
It is great to have you here. 
 
On 6 May 1955 – Germany became the 15th country to join this Alliance. 
Just 10 years after the end of the Second World War.
And only six years after NATO was founded.
Throughout the decades, you have proven to be a steadfast Ally, making invaluable contributions to this collective cause.
We are stronger and safer as a result.

Today, I welcome the chance to reflect on the role that Germany has played in NATO over the years.
During the Cold War, West Germany was the centrepiece of NATO’s collective defence. 
Allies had massive military deployments in the Federal Republic, working alongside the West German forces. Together, we were deterring the Soviet Union.  
 
After the Cold War, a reunited Germany made the case for building bridges, developing partnerships, and giving the new democracies in Central and Eastern Europe a home in NATO. 
Germany has also contributed greatly to NATO operations beyond our borders. 
Not least in support of peace and stability in the Balkans, and to ensure Afghanistan would not be a safe-haven for international terrorism.

Today, Germany is a leading power in Europe. 
And a driving force in NATO. 
Making major contributions to our shared security – 
With troops along the eastern part of our Alliance, jets patrolling the Baltic skies, and ships protecting key supply lines and critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.

Germany is also the largest European contributor of military aid to Ukraine.
Your support helps keep Ukraine strong. 
And a strong Ukraine is the best way to ensure a just and lasting peace.  

Crucially, Germany is really stepping up on defence. 
Already investing 2 percent of its GDP – for the first time now in three decades.
And boosting its defence industry. 
Just recently, the German parliament changed the constitution to massively increase its defence spending.  
This is remarkable. 
Another clear demonstration of German leadership.

There was a time when NATO wanted to ‘keep the Germans down’, as NATO’s first Secretary General famously said. 
Not anymore...
The Germans are up. 

This is exactly what we need in the face of greater danger. 

While much has changed since that day in May 1955 when Chancellor Adenauer signed the official accession of the Federal Republic to NATO, 
the spirit of Viribus Unitis – united forces – remains as strong as ever in our Alliance. 
Today, Germany can count on 31 friends and Allies. 
And we can count on Germany. 

Thank you so much and congratulations! 
And now it is my honour to give you the floor.