For independent and secure energy in Europe

Expansion of cross-border cooperation in building out offshore wind energy: That was the aim of the third international North Sea Summit, which took place in Hamburg on 26 January 2026. It was the first time that Germany had organised the summit, after which Federal Chancellor Merz reiterated that the resolutions would "keep offshore energy affordable for consumers" and enable new investments for the economy. This is essential for a "strong, independent and competitive Europe".

Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche emphasised that the summit would strengthen economic, security and energy policy interests. The consistent expansion and intelligent networking of offshore energy will create affordable, clean and secure energy, reduce strategic dependencies and increase Europe's overall resilience.

Concrete progress in the expansion of offshore wind energy

The results were set out in a joint "Hamburg Declaration" as well as in various intergovernmental summit declarations and co-operation projects. The energy ministers have also agreed on a concrete action plan to realise these steps.

In their joint declaration, the energy ministers agreed to integrate up to 100 GW of generation capacity across borders. In addition, a joint investment pact between North Sea states, the offshore wind industry and transmission system operators aims to make the North Sea region the largest hub for clean energy.

New standards in German-Danish energy cooperation

The bilateral agreement between Germany and Denmark to jointly promote the wind farm as part of the cross-border co-operation project "Bornholm Energy Island" also demonstrates that concrete steps have been taken in Hamburg. This agreement was reached within the broader context of the summit. It contributes to a reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity supply in the region.

The "Bornholm Energy Island" is the first legally binding hybrid offshore co-operation project in Europe. The plan is to generate three gigawatts of offshore wind power, which will be channelled to both Germany and Denmark via two new grid connections. By connecting the Danish and German energy grids, the Bornholm Energy Island is setting new standards for cross-border co-operation in Europe.

Better cooperation and increased security

This improved cooperation between the countries bordering the North Sea was a key objective of the summit. For example, the expansion of offshore wind energy and the hydrogen infrastructure in the North Sea will be enhanced and made more efficient. The focus was also on improved co-operation for greater security in the North Sea and the High North.

Heads of state and government as well as energy ministers from Belgium, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, the European Commission and, for the first time, Iceland and NATO took part. Over 100 company representatives also took part in the summit.

On 26 January 2026, the international North Sea Summit took place in Germany for the first time.

Grafik: BMWE

The North Sea Summit was first held in Esbjerg, Denmark, in 2022 and most recently in Ostend, Belgium, in 2023. It was created as a result of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine in order to help Europe reduce its dependence on fossil fuel imports, particularly from Russia. The primary aim is to intensify co-operation for more offshore wind energy.

Talks also included the business community

The Federal Chancellor welcomed the heads of government at the Port of Hamburg at midday. There, they began with a tour of the Neuwerk multi-purpose vessel of the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration. Among other things, the Neuwerk can be used as an icebreaker, for maritime police duties and as a fire-fighting vessel - even in offshore wind farms.

The talks then continued in Hamburg City Hall. The participants first came together for working sessions on security in the High North and energy supply. This was followed by a conference with the energy ministers and over 100 company representatives and stakeholders. The summit concluded with the celebratory signing of the joint declaration and a press conference over dinner.

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