Mr. President,

Germany aligns itself with the statement just delivered by the European Union. I would like to add some further reflections in my national capacity.

Like previous delegations, I want to sincerely thank Panama for convening this timely debate. We further welcome the Council’s continued attention to maritime security and we want to acknowledge Panama’s consistent leadership on this important topic.

Mr President,

It has been raised throughout today’s debate: challenges to maritime security, they are many, often systemic, and they are interconnected. Not to address these challenges can have serious implications for all of us. Disruptions to maritime routes, for instance, threaten global supply chains, ultimately the global economy, and they can affect critical infrastructure. To address these risks, Germany remains a steadfast supporter of strengthened international and regional cooperation.

We are proud to actively contribute to international maritime operations: as lead nation of the UNIFIL Maritime Task Force in the Mediterranean, and through EU maritime operations, such as EUNAVFOR ASPIDES in the Red Sea.

In the Gulf of Guinea, we support regional cooperation of coastal states through the “G7++ Friends of the Gulf of Guinea”, particularly by way of implementation of the “Yaoundé Code of Conduct” and its evaluation.

Mr President,

Allow me to highlight two key points, that, in our view, require the attention of this Council:

First, climate change.

Climate change is a critical risk multiplier. It is our firm conviction, that climate and environmental protection are integral to maritime security. This includes sustainable ocean governance, protecting marine biodiversity, and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

This is why, Germany actively supports the Port State Measures Agreement together with partners such as Kenya, Madagascar, The Gambia, and Senegal. And this is why German research institutions, such as the Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, provide essential contributions to hazard prediction and governance solutions.

Second, we believe, that innovation and capacity-building in this field are indispensable and need to be strengthened.

Tools like satellite and coordinated marine monitoring systems help to transparently share accurate maritime data and contribute to early warning systems. To improve international data sharing, Germany supports various programmes, such as the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service. We also contribute to related capacity development, for example through the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use Programme.

In concluding, Mr. President,

Germany’s approach to maritime security remains firmly anchored in international law, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. As a major maritime nation and as host of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in Hamburg, we remain committed to a free, open, and secure maritime domain, and to freedom of navigation in all international waterways.

Finally: We remain deeply convinced that when disputes arise, all disputes must be resolved peacefully.

Thank you.