German Chancellor Merz Visits CTF Baltic Amidst Russian Aggression Warnings
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to visit the German-led Combined Task Force (CTF) Baltic for the first time. This comes amidst warnings from Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul about Russia's 'hybrid aggression' in the Baltic Sea region.
Wadephul recently cautioned about incidents such as the severing of underwater cables and GPS disruptions, urging stronger security cooperation with Estonia and Denmark. The CTF Baltic, established in 2024, is a key player in securing the Baltic Sea and planning NATO's maritime missions near the Russian border.
During his visit, Merz will present the naval operations of the crew on board the ship. Meanwhile, Wadephul is also visiting Estonia and Denmark for crucial security talks. The German Insurance Association (GDV) estimates that total losses for 2025 due to natural hazards could be around €4.5 billion, significantly lower than the typical annual average of €6.3 billion. However, CEO Jörg Asmussen warns of a long-term trend towards more extreme weather and rising costs, with storms, hail, and lightning causing the most property damage claims in the first half of 2025.
Merz's visit to the CTF Baltic underscores Germany's commitment to regional security, while Wadephul's diplomatic efforts aim to strengthen alliances in the face of perceived Russian aggression. Despite lower-than-average losses so far this year, the insurance industry remains vigilant about the potential impacts of extreme weather events.
