German officials at NATO summit in Ankara

Ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul condemned Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s comments that labeled Israel a “problem for humanity,” calling the remarks “completely inappropriate.” Wadephul announced he would travel to Israel before the summit to meet Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and seek dialogue between Israel and Turkey.

In the German Bundestag, SPD deputy chair Siemtje Möller urged Chancellor Friedrich Merz to take a clear position on Turkey’s human‑rights record, noting recent mass arrests of 225 people – including human‑rights activists, environmentalists and journalists – and a two‑week ban on public assemblies. She said the Turkish president’s crackdown must be addressed openly at the summit.

The German government also pushed for a “more European NATO,” seeking greater European responsibility for security spending, a joint European defence‑industry statement, and a continued Ukraine funding pledge. Chancellor Merz signalled a firm stance toward U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of the meeting.