The German army becomes a "guarantor" for European security

2023-06-22 15:36:30, Kosova & Bota CNA

The German army becomes a "guarantor" for European security

German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz

Before the EU summit next week, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz gave a speech on Thursday (22.06.) in the Bundestag. Again Scholz emphasized Germany's unlimited solidarity and help for Ukraine, for "as long as necessary". "We stand steadfastly by Ukraine's side." Scholz recalled that Germany's civil and military support amounts to a total of 16.8 billion euros. The German government is determined to defend Germany and Europe at the same time, said Scholz, who spoke of the Bundeswehr's capability as "the guarantor of conventional defense in Europe." We do everything necessary to protect the security of our country and Europe against any threat. Scholz promised massive and continuous arming of the Bundeswehr.

Regarding the membership of Ukraine in NATO, Scholz stressed that there will be no membership of Ukraine before the end of the war started by Russia. "The Ukrainian government itself has understood that the issue of membership is not raised when Russia is waging war against Ukraine." Meanwhile, Scholz asked Ankara to give up the blockade of Sweden for NATO membership, and expressed the belief that soon Sweden will also sit at the table as a new member.

Scholz and Li Qiang

Germany rejects forcefully changing the status quo in the South China Sea

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has also warned China against using force in the South China Sea and Taiwan. "We resolutely reject all unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Sea by force or coercion.§ This applies especially to Taiwan, Chancellor Scholz said in a government statement to the Bundestag. He has also told the Chinese Prime Minister, Li Qiang in Berlin, Scholz emphasized. China sees Taiwan as a separatist province and does not rule out the use of violence for reunification. In the South China Sea, there are also tensions between China and some countries due to the non-recognition of territorial claims of Beijing. "With concern we follow the state of human rights in China and that of the rule of law," Scholz added.

On the other hand, Scholz stressed that Germany and the Western countries do not want complete separation from China, but want to reduce dependencies. "None of us will hinder China's economic development." Because China plays a crucial role in global food security, aid to debt-ridden countries, investment in future technologies, the fight against poverty and climate change. Scholz said he will inform the EU summit next week about the German-Chinese consultations. Regarding the criticism of Germany's own way in the policy towards China, Scholz said that he has negotiated in advance with the partners in the EU before the government consultations.

EU interior ministers seek compromise in Luxembourg

Scholz defends asylum compromise

In the government speech, Chancellor Scholz defended the EU's decisions on asylum policy, which foresee a tougher EU course on asylum. The asylum compromise eases Germany. "This is a historic compromise that shows that the EU can overcome differences even on the most controversial issues." But Scholz also talked about adjustments to the deal. "We will see to it that the deal is improved, until it is settled." Scholz is aware of the criticism in Germany, on the other hand, it was the right thing to take the decisions, "in the interest of the unity and the ability to act in Europe", because the current asylum system does not work.

A new deal is needed, which "links responsibility at the EU's external borders with the solidarity of all," Scholz said. Scholz also mentioned one of the main points of the new planned EU asylum policy. "Whoever has very little chance of being recognized as a refugee will in the future go through a fast asylum and return procedure."

Friedrich Merz

Criticism from the opposition

Harsh criticism of the German government came from the CDU opposition. The head of the conservative party, CDU, Friedrich Merz accused the German government of foreign policy failure. According to Merz, the government coalition kneels before China, neglects the relationship with France and gives the image of a government in conflict at the European level. "We could have made further progress in Europe if there had been a firm stand by the Federal Republic of Germany, your government," Merz addressed Chancellor Scholz. He harshly addressed the German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, stressing that the CDU/CSU Union is for a policy oriented by values ??and interests, but "we don't need didactic and moralizing foreign policy. No one expects that in the world."/ DW