German Naval Headquarters Inaugurated on the Baltic Sea
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has inaugurated a naval tactical headquarters on the Baltic Sea on October 21. Germany, boasting the largest NATO navy in the Baltic Sea, has assumed a regional leadership role. The Commander Task Force (CTF) Baltic headquarters will coordinate naval activities for all NATO allies in the region.
Debunking False Claims
Amid social media outrage, DW fact-checks viral claims about the Two Plus Four Treaty violation by NATO in Rostock. The claim stated a new NATO base was established in Rostock, breaking the treaty. However, this claim is false as the current command staff at the Rostock Naval Command will collaborate with NATO for maritime data sharing, not stationing troops.
No Violation of Treaty
The new naval headquarters is a German-led initiative with multinational participation, aligning with the Two Plus Four Treaty. The headquarters will collect and share military data on the Baltic Sea without hosting NATO troops. This operation does not violate the treaty’s provisions.
Two Plus Four Treaty Overview
The Two Plus Four Treaty, signed in 1990, regulates Germany’s sovereignty, borders, armed forces, and prohibits foreign troops’ stationing until complete Soviet troop withdrawal. The NATO-led headquarters in Rostock adheres to treaty guidelines, ensuring German sovereignty.
Edited by: Kathrin Wesolowski