The Bundeswehr, Germany's military, continues to actively engage in international missions, solidifying its role within both the European Union and United Nations frameworks. Recent affirmations from German officials reveal plans to extend existing mandates for operations aimed at stabilizing regions affected by conflict and ensuring adherence to international laws, particularly concerning arms embargoes.
On December 19, 2024, Parliamentary State Secretary Thomas Hitschler addressed the Bundestag, urging for Germany's continued participation in the EU-led Operation Irini, which monitors the UN arms embargo against Libya. "Wir werden in unserem Engagement nicht nachlassen" ("We will not relent in our commitment"), he stated, emphasizing the fragile security situation within Libya, which necessitates sustained international oversight.
Hitschler stated the German military is currently fulfilling its mandate with air reconnaissance missions, underlining the strategic importance of the Mediterranean for Germany and the EU. The upcoming discussions about extending the mandate are particularly pertinent with elections looming on February 23, 2025.
Meanwhile, the role of the Bundeswehr within the UNMISS (United Nations Mission in South Sudan) remains equally significant. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius reinforced the mission's importance during his parliamentary speech, pointing out the dire need for international support within South Sudan, one of the world's youngest nations. "Der Südsudan braucht nach wie vor internationale Unterstützung" ("South Sudan still needs international support"), Pistorius declared, highlighting the situation where approximately nine million people rely on humanitarian aid.
The UNMISS mission supports the implementation of the peace agreement and contributes to the protection of civilians. The involvement of German forces not only aids in stabilizing the region but also enhances Germany's profile within the United Nations peacekeeping efforts.
This dual focus on Libya and South Sudan exemplifies Germany’s commitment to peacekeeping and conflict resolution. The Bundeswehr's engagements derive from Germany's National Security Strategy and the Defense Policy Guidelines established for 2023, ensuring their roles within these missions align with comprehensive national interests.
During this period of commitment, notable events highlight the interconnection between military duty and cultural support. On December 22, 2024, ZDF, the national broadcaster, will air a live service called "Friede auf Erden" ("Peace on Earth"), held for German soldiers stationed with the NATO enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) battlegroup in Lithuania. Military Pastor Florian Hemme noted, "Wir sind da, wo unsere Soldatinnen und Soldaten auch sind" ("We are where our soldiers are"), reiteratively expressing the deep ties between the military and its moral and emotional support network.
This service, the first live broadcast from such deployments since troops went to Afghanistan over 13 years ago, showcases the commitment of both the military and the nation to its service members, especially during the holiday season. 800 Bundeswehr soldiers are stationed at the Lithuanian site, working every day of the week, including holidays.
The upcoming service signifies both logistic effort and emotional support, reflecting the community's commitment to its military personnel. With the expected presence of High-level officials and cultural elements included, this occasion emphasizes the importance of morale among troops and families back home.
Looking forward, the German Bundestag will finalize discussions on the EU and UN mandates imminently, ensuring readiness to extend support to where it’s most needed. Particularly, both the EU Operation Irini and UNMISS missions remain highlighted as keystones for fostering stability and adherence to international law.
Through persistent operations, the Bundeswehr positions itself as not only compliant with NATO and EU strategies but also as dedicated to peace stability missions on international fronts, showcasing Germany’s commitment to global security and humanitarian assistance.
