Merz defends strong Europe and capable of restoring peace

The German chancellor defended Thursday that the most important task for Europe is to make it so strong that it is able to restore peace and ensure it in the long run. At the same time, it promised Friedrich Merz, Germany « will be ahead of this goal. »

« Our historical task is to make Europe so strong that it can restore peace on our continent and ensure it in the long run. I mean Germany is willing to take the lead of this task, in close coordination with our European partners and neighbors, » Merz told the Carlos Magno Award ceremony, in the German city of the European Commission (CE) Leyen.

The German chancellor stressed that due to Russia’s offensive in Ukraine, since the return of the War to Europe, Europeans have experienced “truly existentially” how threatened what the continent built in the European project: democracy and freedom.

« It is worth defending with determination to freedom and democracy and, if necessary, fight to preserve them, » he said. Merz, who met the day before with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, has promised that Germany will continue to support the invaded country “with all its strength,” as will contribute to the defense of its partners and allies.

The German government leader recalled that the country recently altered the constitution to have almost unlimited funds to defend Germany and their allies.

« We strive to further strengthen European cooperation among our Defense Industries within the European Union (EU), but also with partners such as the United Kingdom, Norway and others, » he said, adding that the Germans are « willing to make transcendental decisions in the NATO summit » in June.

« Decisions that will fulfill Europe’s responsibility for its safety and reinforce the transatlantic alliance as a whole, » he said, emphasizing that at this point the task and goal of Europe is also to continue to develop the transatlantic partnership as a strong standing alliance and maintain it for the future.

« This applies when it comes to creating and maintaining just peace for Ukraine. And it also applies to ensure peace in Europe as a whole, » he said. Merz assured that « Germany is at the service of this strong and united Europe » and « will not be on the sidelines when it comes to preserving and strengthening freedom and democracy, the rule of law and human dignity on our continent. »