The German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.Image: keystone
Jul 6, 2026, 4:07 amJul 6, 2026, 4:07 am
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul complains about too many regular top-level political meetings. The high frequency makes politicians and diplomats immobile.
When asked whether the annual NATO summits should only take place every two or three years, the CDU politician told the “Handelsblatt”: “I am always open to the idea of scheduling meetings based on whether there is something serious to discuss. Especially since in the case of NATO we meet regularly in smaller groups and have a very good and active Secretary General in Mark Rutte.”
Wadephul added that his schedule was “packed” with fixed formats well in advance. This also applies to other cabinet colleagues with international responsibility and especially to the Federal Chancellor.
“Compared to previous generations of politicians, this makes us so immobile that we have to think about whether we need all summits at this frequency.” The NATO summit will take place in Ankara on Tuesday and Wednesday. (sda/dpa)