The newly elected Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) met with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Friday. Both warned Russia. Von der Leyen said: “We expect Russia to de-escalate and refrain from any kind of aggression against its neighbors and respect the rights of sovereign states. Otherwise the European Union is ready not only to tighten the existing sanctions, but also to take new, tangible measures. ”The President of the Commission mentioned the fields of economy and finance. Von der Leyen emphasized: “Aggression must have a price tag.” Energy should never be used as a means of pressure.
Scholz said the German government was "concerned about the many troops on the border with Ukraine". It is "very clear" that Germany and the European Union would react if border violations should occur. “We want the borders to remain intact,” he emphasized. He evasively commented on the question of whether the commissioning of the Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea pipeline was in question as a means of exerting pressure against Russia. He stressed that the Ampel-Coalition wanted to do everything to "prevent that".
Both announced that they would coordinate closely on key policy areas in Europe.
Scholz said the Ampel-Coalition felt responsible "for progress in Europe".
Von der Leyen emphasized that the Commission was ready for “very close, good cooperation”.
She called the visit of the new Federal Chancellor on his second day in office a "very encouraging signal".