Close coordination in difficult times

The agenda is full. In the political talks, the focus will be on the volatile situation in the Middle East, a situation that has escalated further in the last few days. Foreign Minister Baerbock and her colleague will also talk about how we can continue to provide effective support for Ukraine and take resolute action to counter the circumvention of sanctions that is bolstering Russia’s war of aggression. On all of these issues, Germany and France also coordinate closely within the EU. A capable EU is key to devising shared solutions in Europe. That is why it is important that the new European Commission begins its work quickly.

More than top‑level sport

We have also been witnessing a fantastic summer of sport in Europe. After the successful EURO 2024 football championships in Germany, we passed the baton to our neighbours in France for the Olympic Games. Foreign Minister Baerbock is to meet German athletes in the Olympic Village to talk to them about the Olympics and the importance of sport. She will have the chance to cheer some of them on from the sidelines.

After all, the Olympics are so much more than record performances and absolute top‑level sport. Gripping sprints to the finish line and marathon swimming testing endurance to the limit during the Games would be unthinkable without targeted support for amateur sport. The Olympic Games are the very embodiment of inclusion, international understanding and diversity through sport and beyond. That is also what the five Olympic rings represent.

These two major sporting competitions within just a few weeks show that Europe is a wonderful place to hold such events as well as a good host. They send a message of a strong Europe in the world – a message of Europe’s cohesion. The Olympic spirit is closely linked to fairness, tolerance and playing by the rules. These are the values that Germany’s foreign policy works to promote.