The President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, stated yesterday that strengthening the armed forces must be the main priority of the new government, given the growing global threats.
“Today, a poorly armed Germany is a greater threat to Europe than a strongly armed Germany,” said Steinmeier yesterday at NATO headquarters in Brussels, during a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of Germany’s accession to NATO.
Steinmeier emphasized that Russia’s war against Ukraine, as well as the stance of the United States (U.S.) President Donald Trump towards Europe, create an urgent need for Germany to take greater responsibility for European defense, along with continuing military support for Ukraine.
“One era is ending, and a new one is beginning, and for now it certainly does not look optimistic,” said Steinmeier and added:
“We need a strong army, not to wage war, but to prevent it. And, as a former diplomat, I want to add: our foreign policy also needs a strong army, not to replace diplomacy, but to give it credibility.”
