Rede: Boris Pistorius anlässlich der Aufstellungszeremonie CTF Baltic

Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, das Bundesministerium der Verteidigung übersendet die Rede des Bundesministers der Verteidigung, Boris Pistorius, anlässlich der Aufstellungszeremonie Commander Task Force Baltic (CTF Baltic) in Rostock.

Es gilt das gesprochene Wort!
Die Rede ist nicht zitierfähig!

Manuela,
Admiral Maleterre,
Admiral Kaack,
Admiral Haisch,
Admirals and Generals,
Excellencies,
Members of Parliament,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to be here with you today. Rostock is the heart of our German maritime strength. And this heart beats with the rhythm of multilateral cooperation – a principle deeply embedded in Germany’s foreign and security policy DNA.

And a principle which is very visible throughout today’s inauguration of the Commander Task Force Baltic.

The number of senior guests from NATONorth Atlantic Treaty Organization and from our partner nations, as well as from national and local politics illustrates just that.

As of 1st of October, with the participation of our partners, this headquarters will play an important role in coordinating NATONorth Atlantic Treaty Organization’s maritime activities in the Baltic Sea and in enabling the integration of our youngest members Finland and Sweden.

It will be responsible for planning joint exercises, and is ready to direct naval operations in times of peace, crisis and war.

Why is this so important?
The Baltic Sea has always been at the crossroads of Europe’s history and it is much more than just a waterway.

It is a vital corridor for trade, military mobility, and energy security.

It is a strategic area of great geopolitical importance and a frontline in our collective defence against evolving threats.

Most importantly: The security of the Baltic region is inseparable from the security of all of Europe.

The relevance of the region has become even more evident against the backdrop of the ongoing Russian aggression in our immediate neighbourhood.

Almost 1,000 days have passed since the start of Russia’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine.

As we speak, Ukraine is fighting for its existence in a cruel war forced on it by Russia’s brutal and cynical regime.
We all know: For Putin, this war is about more than just Ukraine. His real enemy is our free and independent, democratic way of life.

In Germany and Europe, we witness that Russian aggression manifests in various ways, such as cyber and hybrid threats which continue to blur the lines between peace and war. They are aimed at destabilizing European security, undermining trust and asserting influence.

This is why we must ensure that Putin will not have his way. We must defend ourselves and do whatever we can to support our partners at NATONorth Atlantic Treaty Organization’s eastern flank.

About two weeks ago we celebrated the 25-year anniversary of the Multinational Corps Northeast in Szczecin, where Germany is one of the framework nations.

With today’s inauguration of the Commander Task Force Baltic, Germany has again stepped forward and is ready to show responsibility and take the lead as a global trading and maritime nation in the Baltic region.

Our message to our partners and to those who threaten our peace is simple: Germany stands firmly by its commitments.
We are committed to ensuring the security of the Baltic region, the strength of NATONorth Atlantic Treaty Organization, and the defence of our shared values.

In leading the Commander Task Force Baltic for the next years, Germany will work side by side with our NATONorth Atlantic Treaty Organization partners, pooling our resources and capabilities to deter aggression and ensure freedom of movement in the Baltic Sea.

The headquarters will play a crucial role in the preparation of military situation reports and in responding to regional challenges, including the protection of NATONorth Atlantic Treaty Organization member states’ interests against aggressive actions, particularly given the proximity of Russia.

It will also be key in fostering cooperation among the Baltic region’s navies, enhancing interoperability, and ensuring rapid deployment of forces when necessary.

I am pleased to see our German Navy once again working closely side by side with our partner nations, so many of whom are represented here today.

With a German commander, a Polish deputy commander and a Swedish Chief of Staff, we are literally building bridges across the Baltic Sea.
That is key when it comes to promoting regional stability and protecting our shared security interests.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

There is a saying that the secret of getting ahead is getting started.

In this spirit, I see today’s inauguration as a beginning.

You all know, we have a lot of work ahead of us if we want to assume regional and supra-regional responsibility and take on our share in the Alliance’s defence.

We also know: In the end, it is not ships that fight. It is people.

That is why I want to recognize the work of and, more importantly, thank those men and women who have contributed to bringing the idea of this Commanders Task Force to life. And I want to thank those who serve here and in NATONorth Atlantic Treaty Organization. You embody the very spirit of our Alliance!

Your professionalism and dedication are the foundation of our security.

Your work here, in Rostock and across the entire region, ensures that our Alliance is ready. We are all proud of your service.

We are inaugurating a maritime headquarters. In the spirit of naval tradition, I wish the CTF Baltic always fair winds and following seas.

I would also like to thank our partners for the trust they place in us. It is both a responsibility and an incentive for us and we do not take it for granted.

I am sure our men and women here in Rostock will live up to this responsibility and protect our peace and stability in this critical region. Freedom and security of movement at sea is not just a right, but a responsibility we all share. Thank you.