Germany Celebrates 70 Years in NATO, President Steinmeier Hosted by Secretary General Rutte

29 April Germany: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte hosted German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at NATO Headquarters in Brussels to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Germany joining the Alliance.President Steinmeier was joined by Germany’s acting Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, for the ceremony.

The two leaders attended a wreath-laying ceremony to mark Germany’s long membership in NATO, before holding bilateral discussions with an emphasis on defence cooperation and regional security. Secretary General Rutte underlined the central position of Germany in Europe’s security and stability in the world, citing its military presence on NATO’s eastern border, its air patrols over the Baltic area, and its naval operations in safeguarding vital infrastructure and supply routes in the Baltic Sea.

This year’s milestone emphasizes Germany’s evolution since entering NATO in 1955, a decade after the Second World War. What was once a divided and war-torn country has become an integral pillar of NATO and a prime partner in peace and collective defence. The anniversary is an indication of how former adversaries can become formidable allies with common democratic principles and a shared commitment to collective security.

After the formal ceremony at NATO Headquarters, President Steinmeier received King Philippe of Belgium at the Royal Palace of Laeken, mirroring the wider diplomatic significance of the visit.

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