Skip next section Germany’s Wadephul seeks closer Baltic security ties
08/28/2025August 28, 2025
Germany’s Wadephul seeks closer Baltic security ties
German Foreign Minister has called for stronger security cooperation with Estonia and Denmark in response to Russia’s actions in the Baltic Sea.
“The security of the Baltic region is also our security in Germany,” Wadephul said on his inaugural visits to Tallinn and Copenhagen. He warned of Russia’s “hybrid aggression,” citing the and GPS disruptions.
In the Estonian capital, Wadephul is meeting Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna and President Alar Karis before talks in Copenhagen with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre.
Wadephul said Estonia and the Baltic States had long warned of such risks, and Europe now benefits from their foresight. He added that Denmark, holding the EU presidency, is advancing efforts to protect critical infrastructure in the North and Baltic Seas.
From Denmark, Wadephul is set to continue to Toulon in France for a Franco-German Ministerial Council on Friday.
https://p.dw.com/p/4zdAA
Skip next section Insured losses from natural hazards below average in Germany
08/28/2025August 28, 2025
Insured losses from natural hazards below average in Germany
The German Insurance Association (GDV) says insured losses from in Germany totaled about €1 billion ($1.2 billion) in the first half of 2025, below long-term averages.
Storms, hail, and lightning caused roughly €500 million in property claims, while flooding and heavy rain added another €100 million. Motor insurance claims reached €350 million.
The association said if the second half of the year brings only average damage, total losses for 2025 could amount to around €4.5 billion, well below the €6.3 billion typical for a year.
GDV chief executive Jörg Asmussen warned, however, that despite the current dip, the long-term trend points to more extreme weather and rising costs.
https://p.dw.com/p/4zd09
Skip next section Merz to visit German navy in Rostock and board frigate Bayern
08/28/2025August 28, 2025
Merz to visit German navy in Rostock and board frigate Bayern
Chancellor is Baltic-bound with a visit to Rostock to meet Navy Inspector Jan Christian Kaack before flying by helicopter to the frigate Bayern.
In Rostock, the chancellor will visit the headquarters of the , which has overseen security in the Baltic Sea region for NATO since October. The unit is tasked with deterrence in peacetime and defending alliance territory in a crisis, in a region where the military alliance directly borders Russia.
On the ship, the crew is set to demonstrate aspects of naval service with support from other ships and aircraft. Merz also plans to take a tour and speak with sailors on board the anti-submarine vessel.
It’s the chancellor’s first visit to see Germany’s naval operations.
The headquarters was founded in 2024 and is tasked with planning maritime operations and exercises — as well as leading naval forces assigned by NATO.
With about 15,300 sailors, the navy is the smallest branch of Germany’s armed forces.
https://p.dw.com/p/4zd0J
Skip next section Welcome to our coverage08/28/2025August 28, 2025
Welcome to our coverage
Guten Tag from the DW newsroom in Bonn.
We’re picking things up today with a look at making his first visit to the German Navy, heading to Rostock for talks with maritime force chief Jan Christian Kaack.
He’ll also tour the new Commander Task Force Baltic headquarters, set up last year to run NATO maritime operations in the region.
Merz is then due to head to the frigate “Bayern” by helicopter, where naval crews will stage exercises to show off their skills in sea supply and defence against air, submarine, and missile threats.
Meanwhile, insured losses from natural hazards in Germany have come in lower than usual so far this year.
Stay tuned for more throughout the day!
https://p.dw.com/p/4zciF
The post Germany updates: Merz takes a look at Baltic naval base appeared first on Deutsche Welle.
