Distinguished Co-Chairs,

Germany fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by India on behalf of the G4. Allow me to add a few additional points in my national capacity.

First, on the size of an enlarged Council. We do not think this is only a question of numbers. It is also a question of how members work together. In a larger Council, cooperation among groups will become even more important. We can already see useful examples of this today, whether in the cooperation of the A3 or A3+ or in the coordination among the European members. So for us, enlargement and efficiency can go hand in hand, as long as working methods adapt accordingly.

Second, on the Pact for the Future, which we had the honor to co-facilitate with Namibia. We see the Pact as a highly significant agreement. It contains forward-looking language, but it is also clearly the result of a hard-fought compromise. That is precisely why it matters. At the same time, it is important to recognize that all negotiating groups remain convinced that their own models meet the parameters set out in the Pact. So the Pact gives us a common political framework, but it does not settle the debate by itself.

Third, on developments in positions. Yes, we do see movement. One example is the G4 proposal for a review. Over the last two years, this idea has gained noticeably broader support, and some other models have now taken up this element as well. The presentation of the CARICOM model one year ago has also shown that support for expansion in both categories is growing.

The African Model, as presented by Sierra Leone last month, demonstrated clearly that a majority of Member States supports this approach to reform. It is now time to move toward a consolidated model that reflects these majority positions.

I thank you!