Russia’s war against Ukraine has dramatically changed the security situation. Chancellor Olaf Scholz now also wants to strengthen air defense – with a new defense system for Europe.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz wants to build a new air defense system together with European neighbors. Such a system “would be a security gain for the whole of Europe,” said the SPD politician in a speech at Charles University in Prague. In addition, it would be cheaper and more powerful than if everyone built their own, expensive and highly complex air defense. He did not initially give any details. The project is seen as a response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which has now lasted more than six months.
Scholz announced that Germany would invest significantly in air defense in the coming years. This should be designed from the start in such a way that European neighbors could participate. Specifically, he named the Netherlands, Poland, the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and partners in Scandinavia.
“Significant pent-up demand” in air defense
In Europe, there is “a lot of catching up to do” in defense against threats from the air and space, said Scholz. All new capabilities should also be usable within the NATO framework. The money for the investments could come from the already announced 100 billion euro pot, with which Scholz wants to modernize and strengthen the Bundeswehr in the coming years.
In general, with regard to the Russian attack on Ukraine, the Chancellor said that “never again war” between the member states was the goal of the European Union. Today it is up to the community to further develop this promise of peace – by enabling the EU to ensure its security, independence and stability, even in the face of external challenges.
Economic independence for Europe
Better recycling of cell phone and battery parts should make Europe less dependent on raw materials from abroad in the future. “We need a game plan, something like a strategy made in Europe 2030,” Scholz said in a speech at Charles University in Prague on Monday. A large part of the lithium, cobalt, magnesium or nickel that the companies depend on has long been in Europe. “Valuable raw materials are in every mobile phone and in every car battery.”
This potential must be used more, said Scholz. “The technologies for this are often already available today.” Common standards are needed for a real European circular economy. “I call it a strategic update of our internal market,” said the Chancellor. At the same time, he emphasized that economic independence does not mean self-sufficiency. Europe has benefited and will continue to benefit from open markets and trade, said the SPD politician.
Macron idea for new community
Scholz supports the French idea for a new European political community, which should enable closer exchange with partners outside the EU. There is currently no forum where the EU heads of state and government could discuss key issues with partner countries once or twice a year, Scholz said in a speech at Charles University in Prague on Monday. He named security and energy issues as well as climate protection as possible areas.
“Such a merger – that’s very important to me – is not an alternative to the upcoming EU enlargement,” stressed the SPD politician during his visit to the Czech Republic. “Because we have our word with our accession candidates – with the countries of the Western Balkans for almost 20 years.”
The idea for such a community came from French President Emmanuel Macron. In this way, Macron wants to improve cooperation with partners who will not be admitted to the EU in the foreseeable future or who do not want to be. Specifically, he named Ukraine, which recently officially became a candidate for EU membership, but according to current EU rules can probably only become a member in the next decade at the earliest.
Macron also emphasizes that it is not about replacing the EU enlargement process, but about a new framework for cooperation on strategic issues. He recently named security and defence, energy, health and the economy as specific subject areas for cooperation.
Source: Stern
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