Welcome
Foreign Minister Baerbock travels to the Netherlands: Working hand in hand to strengthen international law
Foreign Minister Baerbock gave a speech at the Hague Academy of International Law, © picture alliance
The Hague is not only the seat of government of the Netherlands but also stands like no other city for international law. Here you can read what will be on Foreign Minister Baerbock’s agenda with regard to bilateral relations and international law in The Hague.
Expanding close cooperation further: political talks in The Hague
Germany enjoys close economic, political, military and cultural ties with its neighbour the Netherlands. Coordination on European policy between the two countries is also close and based on a spirit of trust, particularly in connection with how to make Europe fit for the future. Like Germany, the Netherlands is currently developing a comprehensive China strategy. And Germany and the Netherlands also speak as one when it comes to our support for Ukraine. During her trip, Foreign Minister Baerbock will also launch a joint initiative together with her counterpart Wopke Hoekstra to tackle the kidnapping of children from Ukraine to Russia and their illegal adoption.
Speech at the Hague Academy of International Law
The Hague is home to some of the most important international courts with the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Arbitration. Many therefore refer to it as the global capital of international law and international jurisdiction. Active engagement for rules‑based international order is a fundamental pillar of German foreign policy. In times like these particularly, international law and its institutions must be strengthened and further developed.
Russia’s war against Ukraine is also a war against the law itself. Putin is trampling on the most fundamental principles of international law, which bind all peoples together.
The Foreign Minister will give a speech at the Hague Academy of International Law. The speech will focus on strengthening and further developing international criminal law and also consider the question of how international law can rise to the challenges presented by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Talks at the International Criminal Court
In The Hague, Foreign Minister Baerbock will meet Piotr Hofmański, President of the International Criminal Court, for talks. The subsequent meeting with Karim Khan, Prosecutor of the ICC, will not least enable the Minister to obtain an overview of the status of the ICC’s investigations into Russian war crimes in Ukraine.
