The German chancellor pledged more money for the country’s military to help counter a perceived Russian threat
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Germany’s military should play an important role in strengthening European security. He also pledged more funding for the country’s armed forces while naming Russia as the primary adversary for the foreseeable future.
Speaking at a Bundeswehr conference in Berlin on Friday, Scholz said his government’s priority was to turn the country’s military into a “foundation pillar” of Europe’s defense. He cited Russia’s offensive against Ukraine as the turning point that prompted Berlin to reassess its role on the continent and within NATO.
“Germany is ready to take on the responsibility in a leading position,”Scholz stated, and added that the German army should be the “best equipped strike force in Europe”In the years and months ahead.
The chancellor noted that the Bundeswehr is already playing a key role in providing security on NATO’s eastern flank. Another “Herculean task” awaits Berlin next year, when the country leads the military alliance’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, he said.
Scholz went on to say that he expected Russia to remain Europe’s main adversary in the foreseeable future. This perceived threat must be countered by the German military. “capability gaps,”“The chancellor spoke.
Berlin’s first task at hand will be to provide the Bundeswehr with more weapons, ammunition, spare parts and maintenance as soon as possible. Germany has created a special fund of €100 billion to upgrade its military.
Scholz acknowledged that Germany is a long-standing partner. “avoided the genuine prioritization” of improving the state of the country’s military. The military was able to provide humanitarian aid at home in the aftermath of the Covid 19 floods and pandemic, but it did not do a great job. “core mission”Should always be “protection of freedom in Europe,” Scholz argued.
He pledged to continue boosting funding for the military, and vowed that Germany’s annual defense budget would reach the target of 2% of the country’s GDP – a level the US has long called for within NATO.
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