Government declaration on the war: Scholz: "EU accession not within a few months or years"

In a government statement on Thursday, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) called for a resolute defense of the peace.

War has not become unimaginable in Europe either, said Scholz in the Bundestag.

“Peace can only be taken for granted if we are prepared to defend it.

That is the lesson we are learning from Russia's brutal attack on Ukraine.” He rejected a “dictated peace” for Ukraine.

Neither the Ukrainians themselves nor the western world would accept this, said Scholz.

Only when Russian President Vladimir Putin understands this will peace negotiations be possible.

Scholz went on to say that the European Union has overcome various challenges and crises in recent years.

The war in the immediate vicinity was without a doubt the biggest.

“In one respect, however, this crisis is similar to the previous ones.

Once again we experience: The greater the pressure from outside, the more determined and united the European Union acts.”

Scholz defended the deliveries of heavy weapons to Ukraine against criticism from the population and from politics.

“Helping a brutally attacked country to swear in is not escalation.

But a contribution to repelling the attack and thus ending the violence as quickly as possible.” He, too, was worried, said the Chancellor, but at the same time emphasized: “We all have one goal in common: Russia must not win this war.

Ukraine must survive.” The federal government is also giving Ukraine military support, “considered, weighed up and closely coordinated internationally,” said Scholz.

Germany will not go it alone, and the federal government will not do anything that would turn NATO into a war party.

"EU accession not within a few months or years"

According to Scholz, Ukraine's accession to the EU will not be possible within "months or a few years".

On the other hand, he specifically promised the countries of the Western Balkans membership of the European Union.

The Western Balkans are part of the EU.

He will make this clear on his upcoming trip to the countries of the region.

The Chancellor announced that Germany's focus would also be on a Union that is closer to the citizens and more efficient.

Citizens wanted more consistency in climate protection, progress in European defense and a fairer Europe.

Much of this can be implemented quickly and without lengthy changes to the EU treaties.

But even with the majority decisions required by Germany, for example, he sees that more and more people have joined this idea in recent months.

"If the matter requires it, then we can talk about changing the treaties, including a convention," Scholz continued.

That's not taboo.

What is important, however, is the greatest possible consensus.

At the same time, Scholz warned against a controversial navel-gazing on institutional issues.

“Welcome to Sweden and Finland”

The Federal Chancellor welcomed the planned accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO: “I say without hesitation: Dear friends in Sweden and Finland, you are very welcome!

With you on our side, NATO and Europe will be stronger and safer.” Russia's attack on Ukraine has also caused many other European countries to rethink their security.

Since then, many have invested significantly more in their defense.

The Chancellor expressed optimism about an agreement with the Union on the establishment of the special fund of 100 billion euros for the Bundeswehr that he had announced.

"We are in good talks, also with your party, dear Mr. Merz, in order to firmly anchor the special fund in the Basic Law.

I am very grateful for that, ”said Scholz, addressing the Union faction leader Friedrich Merz (CDU) directly.

In this way, the government and opposition faced up to their state-political responsibility, said Scholz.

"The special fund guarantees the freedom and security of our country at this time." It is also a clear message to friends and allies: "Yes, we mean it when we talk about duty of care and collective defense." The traffic light government is for the amendment to the Basic Law, which is necessary for the establishment of the special fund, relies on votes from the Union.

The reason for the government statement was the EU special summit, which is to be held in Brussels at the end of May to deal with the current situation in Russia's war against Ukraine.

The Chancellor's appearance was followed by a debate scheduled for one and a half hours in the plenum.

The Bundestag session, which was scheduled to last more than 14 hours, also included important legislative decisions, such as the extensive suspension of Hartz IV sanctions for a year, the payment of a new pandemic bonus to employees in hospitals and care facilities and a law on tougher enforcement of sanctions against members of the Russian elite.