Press conference by the Federal Chancellor following the special meeting of the European Council in Brussels
Following the special session of the European Council, Federal Chancellor Scholz reaffirmed his commitment to overcoming current challenges together. One key outcome of the meeting is that Ukraine will continue to receive the necessary financial and military support.
- Transcript of press conference
- Thursday, 6 March 2025
Following the special meeting of the European Council, Federal Chancellor Scholz stressed: “Europe remains resolute and united in its response to the shifting international landscape.”
Photo: Federal Government/Guido Bergmann
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz attended the special meeting of the European Council in Brussels. At a press conference following the consultations, Scholz emphasised that Europe would remain resolute and united in its response to the shifting international landscape.
The key points from the statement:
Ukraine:
- For Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, one thing is clear: “We will not abandon Ukraine.” The European Union would continue to strengthen its support for Ukraine, he said, adding that the United States should remain an essential partner in the future.
- Most importantly, said the Federal Chancellor, a process had to begin that would result in lasting and secure peace. Ukraine must remain a sovereign and democratic nation, said Scholz. “Ukraine has chosen to become a member of the European Union, and we will stand by it as it pursues this path,” said the Federal Chancellor.
Europe’s defence capability:
- Scholz stated clearly that Europe had to strengthen its defence capability primarily by further developing its own defence industry. By producing military goods in Europe and partner countries, it was important to ensure “that we do not end up with the wrong kind of dependencies,” he said.
- In addition to expanding the defence industry, said Scholz, joint projects among EU member states were also required, adding that European competition rules should not stand in the way of this.
Financing:
- Federal Chancellor Scholz welcomed the European Commission’s proposal to make use of the so-called “budgetary escape clause” in the coming years to finance armaments.
- In adjusting the stability criteria, Scholz advocated a longer-term exemption for defence spending as a model for all EU member states.