German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s planned one-day trip to Latvia and Sweden encountered a sudden scheduling change due to adverse weather conditions in Berlin, specifically freezing rain. In response, the Foreign Office announced that the departure point was shifted from Berlin to Leipzig to facilitate the trip.
Wadephul made the journey to Leipzig by train, which typically takes just over an hour, and it remains uncertain if his appointments in Riga and Stockholm will be adjusted as a result of the rescheduling. During this visit, Wadephul aims to address security concerns in the Baltic region, particularly in light of Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics and the use of shadow tankers to bypass sanctions on oil exports.
The region has faced multiple cyberattacks and instances of undersea communications cable damage, which have been attributed to Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Wadephul emphasized the importance of European unity in confronting these hybrid threats, especially against the backdrop of fluctuating U.S. policies under President Donald Trump, who has recently stirred controversy with his aspirations regarding Greenland.
“In this phase of geopolitical upheaval, we Europeans must present a united front and act with confidence,” Wadephul stated. He highlighted the necessity of resisting divisive tactics aimed at undermining the European Union and NATO, which both play a crucial role in collective defense.
On his itinerary, he is set to meet with Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, deliver an address at a conference for Latvian ambassadors, and hold discussions with his Latvian counterpart, Baiba Braže. Following this, Wadephul will engage with Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Stenergard in Stockholm.
It is noteworthy to mention that Latvia has been a member of NATO since 2004, whereas Sweden, having historically maintained over 200 years of neutrality, joined the alliance in 2024, motivated mainly by the threat posed by Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Wadephul reiterated that while the trans-Atlantic defense alliance is essential for security, Europe must also pursue greater self-reliance in safeguarding its future.