Germany and the Netherlands must invest in a better Europe

Speech | 26-01-2022

Ladies and gentlemen,

It’s a pleasure to be here in Berlin once again.

I would like to thank Minister Baerbock for welcoming me back here in this city which I know and love so well. And yes, sometimes miss, although you can hardly call those feelings Fernweh.

Our countries are too close for that.

Not only in geographical terms, but in so many other ways.

We are alike in culture, language, and our view of the world.

Our trade partnership is built on our shared values and ambitions. The same goes for our cooperation in areas such as democratic values, the rule of law and human rights.

We need to foster that partnership, because we are quite simply stronger together.

For that very reason, Dutch ambitions for Europe are high. The Netherlands wants the EU to become more decisive, economically stronger, greener and safer.

This also entails opportunities to strengthen our close cooperation…

…when it comes to fulfilling ambitions...

but also when it comes to tackling challenges …

Challenges such as COVID-19, climate change, energy transition and digitalisation…

Challenges such as Ukraine.

Germany and the Netherlands stand shoulder to shoulder in supporting Ukraine and in seeking de-escalation.

It’s crucial to be united in our message to Russia that the parties concerned must continue their dialogue…

…but that violating Ukraine's sovereignty is something that we will never accept.

Further acts of aggression will have serious consequences.

Our partnership is built on stability…democracy…the rule of law.

In order to protect these values we must continue to invest in Europe, together.

And in the special bond between our two countries.

By working together more closely, we can shape our future, which extends beyond our borders.

Thank you.