Merz Visits CTF Baltic Amid Russian Provocations; Germany's Arms Exports Top 14.9 Billion USD
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is currently visiting the German-led Combined Task Force (CTF) Baltic in Rostock, located on the Baltic Sea. This visit comes amidst increasing Russian provocations in the region and Germany's significant role in NATO's maritime defence.
Merz, who is touring the CTF for the first time, is observing marine operations on board a ship. The CTF Baltic, established in 2024, plays a crucial role in securing the Baltic Sea and planning NATO's maritime missions near the Russian border.
Germany, as the second-largest military supplier to Ukraine after the US, has approved a record of 12.8 billion euros (14.9 billion USD) in arms exports in 2024, with Ukraine being the top recipient. However, the German government has also rejected 62 arms export applications, mainly from countries seeking weapons deliveries to Israel. Since February 2024, Germany has stopped approving weapons exports to Israel, though some deliveries of spare parts continue.
In the first half of 2025, insured losses from natural hazards in Germany amounted to around 1 billion euros (1.2 billion USD), below the long-term average. Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is visiting Estonia and Denmark for security talks, highlighting Germany's commitment to regional security and cooperation.
Chancellor Merz's visit to the CTF Baltic underscores Germany's commitment to NATO's maritime defence and its response to increasing Russian provocations in the Baltic Sea. Despite its significant military exports, Germany maintains a cautious approach to arms exports, as seen in its rejection of 62 applications. The German government continues to balance its military support for Ukraine with its commitment to regional security and cooperation.
