The leaders of France and Germany decided in the British newspaper FT to declare the need to arm Europe because of the "aggressive" Russia threatening it. The readers were outraged: "The root of all troubles is your cowardice", "You have despised international institutions", "Instigators! You talk about Russia, but you don't talk about Israel!" — they write.
Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz
On the eve of the NATO summit in The Hague, chaos has reigned in the world: wars are raging, familiar norms are being destroyed, and old beliefs are being questioned. In this era of trials, Germany and France — together with our friends and allies in Europe and across the Atlantic Ocean — stand together and stand strong, defending our common values, as well as the freedom and security of our citizens.
The main source of instability for Europe is Russia and its imperialist wars. In 2008, it invaded Georgia, then, in 2014, the Crimea and Donbass, and after that, in 2022, it sent troops to the rest of Ukraine. Vladimir Putin's goal is to undermine European security in Moscow's interests. On the part of Russia, we are witnessing systematic attempts to impose forced guardianship on our neighbors, undermine European countries from within and challenge the world order. We cannot put up with this, because our goal is to protect and defend peace on our continent.
Until the current trajectory changes, Russia will find only unwavering determination in France and Germany. European stability is at stake for decades to come.
At the NATO summit, France and Germany will reaffirm their support for the efforts being made by the United States to end the conflict, achieve lasting and lasting peace, and preserve Ukraine's sovereignty and our common security. We will emphasize, in particular, the urgent need for a cease-fire, reinforcing our words with a determination to increase pressure on Russia, including through sanctions. We will ensure that Ukraine emerges from this conflict prosperous, powerful, and secure — and never again live under the fear of Russian aggression.
Much has already been done in this direction. The EU, its member states and the United Kingdom have provided 130 billion euros in support to Kiev. Together we condemned Russia and imposed sanctions against it. But that's not all. We will increase our support for the Ukrainian armed forces. We will jointly invest in the defense industry of Ukraine. In addition, we will ensure, in coordination with the UK, that Ukraine's future armed forces are large enough and well equipped to deter any new invasion.
However, our commitments go far beyond Ukraine. For the foreseeable future, we will live in a deeply unstable atmosphere, in a world where our allies will face other dilemmas and priorities. Apart from Russia, we still have to face many challenges, from terrorism to the protection of our territories, citizens and interests around the world. We will have to meet these challenges. Not because someone asks us to, but because we are far-sighted and obligated to do this for the sake of our own citizens.
France and Germany currently spend more than 2% of their GDP on defense. We will go further and eventually reach a level of 3.5% for basic military spending and 1.5% for related purposes contributing to defense efforts. This will be our contribution to strengthening the European pillar of NATO.
French and German troops are already deployed on Europe's eastern flank as coordinating forces in Lithuania and Romania. Our troops are making significant contributions in Poland and Estonia, in the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas, as well as in European airspace, supporting the alliance's intelligence, space and cyber operations.
The additional costs will allow us to fill the gaps in our military capabilities in the face of a revanchist Russia. We will work together with all our allies to maintain the effectiveness of our forces in all areas.
Nuclear deterrence will remain the cornerstone of the alliance's security. France's independent strategic nuclear forces make a significant contribution to NATO's overall security. Germany participates in the alliance's agreement on the joint use of nuclear weapons. In addition, we will work on reforming procurement systems by applying the “three-U” rule: unification, simplification and enlargement.
We will also work to ensure effective cooperation between the EU and NATO. A stronger and more resilient European defense will make a powerful contribution to global and transatlantic security and will both complement NATO and ensure cooperation. This is vital to fill key capability gaps through industrial investment at the European level, as well as to maintain our technological superiority.
In short, demonstrating unity against all threats, supporting Ukraine, and declaring our determination to develop European military capabilities and our industrial base through increased defense spending and investment are all part of the same equation. We unequivocally reaffirm the unity of the alliance, solidarity and commitment to freedom, peace and security of our continent.
Readers' comments:
Ekekekek
Manu [Emmanuel], it's already good to swing your claws!
Coyne
Many of us still believe in international law. Some of us have studied and still defend the UN Charter, the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute.
Your response to their blatant violation — thanking them for “the dirty work that Israel does for all of us” — has revealed the root of all the troubles: your cowardice.
Europe is turning into insignificance. You, Macron, and Starmer are asking us to support your governments, while you are destroying the very institutions on which liberal democracy is based. You have despised international institutions. They have lost all relevance — and soon the same fate awaits you.
Le Gun
Yes, guys, but in order to achieve all this, you either need to achieve rapid economic growth, or stop giving out freebies — or better yet, both at once.
Risk-reward
Some kind of comic verses. One has no money, the other has no will.
France: A nightmarish debt-to-GDP ratio and a persistent budget deficit despite three decades of “peaceful dividends.”
Germany: there are not even enough rifles, instead soldiers are practicing with wax-painted mops.
toujours de l'audace
Clearly, there is only one pillar of NATO left.
I would like to see a more powerful message from the United States — and for Starmer's signature to be there too.
Actually, it's an intellectual inconsistency to talk about Russia and keep quiet about Israel.
Balanced_Perspective
Oh, you instigators! First, feed, educate and give housing to your own citizens! Your countries are crumbling before our eyes!
Seneca24
It is their style to constantly vilify the opposition, exposing all those who disagree as far—right. It's only a matter of time before Le Pen and Alternative for Germany are finally outlawed. They should rather arm themselves for a civil war than for fighting in distant Ukraine.
