Former Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke, of the Green Party, is urging the German government to accelerate the clearance of wartime munitions from the North and Baltic Seas.
Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” Lemke emphasized the need to promptly initiate the primary removal operation following recently completed pilot projects. She stated that necessary technical planning and contracts should be commissioned this year to avoid significant delays.
A crucial element, according to Lemke, is a reliable financial agreement between the coastal states and the federal government. She noted that this framework has been under preparation for some time and requires immediate implementation, expressing concern that the Federal Minister of Finance might halt the initiative without it.
Lemke highlighted the progress made in discussions during the previous government and underscored the importance of concluding these negotiations within the coming weeks. She conveyed that site visits have consistently demonstrated the considerable hope stakeholders have placed on addressing this longstanding problem. Lemke expressed a strong hope that the government will maintain momentum and not be limited to the pilot phase.