Chancellor Scholz on the defense of Europe: “We have to do more so that we can defend ourselves effectively”

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Major General Carsten Breuer and Olaf Scholz in August 2022 at the Putlos military training area in Schleswig-Holstein

Photo: Steffen Kugler / dpa

On the second anniversary of the Russian attack on Ukraine, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) called for greater efforts in Germany and Europe to ensure effective defense.

Russia tramples on the principle that borders should not be changed through force "every day," said the Chancellor in his weekly video message.

"Russia is not only attacking Ukraine, but is also destroying Europe's peace order." Ukraine is therefore being supported in its self-defense - "and for as long as necessary."

"And we, Germany and Europe, are doing more - and must do even more - so that we can defend ourselves effectively."

“Unusual words from the mouth of a Federal Chancellor”

Words like “deterrence” and “defense readiness” are “unusual words for some people from the mouth of a Federal Chancellor,” said Scholz.

But they represent an important task: “Together with our allies, we must be so strong that no one dares to attack us.

This is how we ensure our safety.

And this is how we defend peace in Europe.«

The best guarantee for this remains NATO – “on both sides of the Atlantic,” emphasized the Chancellor.

Germany strengthens its Bundeswehr and the defense of Europe.

"This is our contribution to a strong NATO."

»It is no secret that the Bundeswehr has been neglected for many years.

This has been over since the turn of the century," said Scholz, referring to the increased investments in the Bundeswehr since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

This year, for the first time in decades, Germany is investing two percent of its economic output in defense, said the Chancellor regarding NATO's required target for its members.

“And it will stay that way in the years and decades to come.”

Scholz emphasized that cooperation with European partners is important in order to build an efficient defense industry in Germany and Europe.

»The most important weapon systems and, above all, ammunition must continually come off the production line.

If we Europeans pool our orders, then it will work.”

“All of this demands a lot from us, including financially,” said the Chancellor at the end of his video message.

"But one thing is very clear: without security, everything else is nothing." Without security there is no freedom, no democracy and no human rights.

Germany is on the right path: “We are defending our security – with determination and a sense of proportion.”

svs/dpa