German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has announced plans to intensify pressure on Russia during a forthcoming visit to Vienna, Austria. Addressing the press ahead of the trip, Wadephul emphasized the close ties between Germany and Austria, citing shared language, history, familial connections and enduring friendships. He underscored a shared commitment to a strong and unified Europe.
The collaboration between the two nations will focus on escalating pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and pursuing the implementation of further EU sanctions.
Beyond the Russia focus, Wadephul highlighted a mutual dedication to combating antisemitism, describing it as a pervasive challenge encountered both in public spaces and online. He stressed the necessity of consistently confronting hate, violence and prejudice to ensure antisemitism finds no foothold.
While in Vienna, Wadephul is scheduled to meet with his Austrian counterpart and the Israeli Foreign Minister. During these discussions, focus will be placed on facilitating a lasting peace, predicated on a secure future for Palestinians within the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and East Jerusalem – a future explicitly excluding the governance of Hamas. The German minister reiterated ongoing efforts to mediate a ceasefire and emphasized Israel’s responsibility to urgently address the humanitarian crisis within the Gaza Strip, providing assistance to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians at risk of starvation.