German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated their commitment to defending Europe's freedom and security ahead of the NATO summit that the Netherlands is closely watched.
Germany and France are significantly increasing military spending to strengthen the European pillar of NATO's collective defense, the two leaders wrote in a common comment for the Financial Times on Monday.
“At the time of these tests, Germany and France were united and strong with our European and transatlantic friends and allies, defending our shared values and the freedom and security of our citizens,” they wrote.
The most serious threat to European stability comes from Russia, they continue to describe Moscow as “the main source of European instability.”
“We cannot accept it because our goal is to protect and maintain peace on our continent,” said Merz and Macron. “As long as the current trajectory continues, Russia will find an unshakable determination in France and Germany.”
In addition to Russia's threat and support to Ukraine, Meers and Macron said in the Financial Times that Europe must also compete with the defense of terrorism and national territories, citizens and “global interests.”
The leaders wrote that stronger and more capable European defense contributes to global and transatlantic security and is essential to close cooperation with NATO.
They concluded: “In short, a unity of all threats is expressed to support Ukraine and point out that we are determined to develop European defense capabilities and our industrial base by increasing defense spending and investment.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke on the German industry that day. Each year, the High Representative Conference of Politics and Business is organized by the German Federation of Industry (BDI). Kay Nietfeld/DPA
