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 on Monday.
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 the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, which has now lasted for more than half a year.
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.
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.
Scholz also spoke out in favor of better coordination of armaments aid for Ukraine, which was attacked by Russia. “Together with the Netherlands, we have therefore launched an initiative aimed at a permanent and reliable division of labor between all partners in Ukraine,” said the SPD politician in his speech at Prague’s Charles University on Monday.
