Statement by the Federal Chancellor
Federal Chancellor Scholz joined discussions in Paris on support for Ukraine and European security. Following the meeting he stressed that it had been “A necessary and proper informal conversation in a difficult situation for Europe.”
2 min reading time
- Transcript of press conference
- Monday, 17 February 2025
In his statement following the talks in Paris, Federal Chancellor Scholz emphasized that Ukraine must be able to defend its sovereignty and democracy.
Photo: Federal Government/Marvin Güngör
In a meeting in Paris arranged at short notice, EU heads of state and government were joined by representatives of the EU and NATO to discuss ongoing support for Ukraine and strengthening European security.
In a statement to the media after the talks, the Federal Chancellor raised the issue of peace for Ukraine and reminded those present that Moscow was continuing its war against Kyiv without any regard for the consequences. He stressed that “It is very clear that we must continue to support Ukraine. They must be able to rely on us doing so – and they can.”
Key points from the Federal Chancellor’s speech:
- The future of Ukraine: The Federal Chancellor welcomed in principle the fact that talks were taking place about peace for Ukraine, but said there could be no peace where terms were dictated. Scholz reiterated that democracy and Ukraine’s sovereignty were not up for negotiation, and that the same applied to Ukraine’s further journey towards membership of the European Union. Ukraine must have a strong army, too. “For that to become a reality in times of peace, we too will be required, along with our American and international friends and partners,” the Federal Chancellor said.
- The future of Europe: Scholz emphasised the need for Europe to strengthen its own defence and security capacities and welcomed the fact that detailed discussions over future funding options had already begun. There must be a clear “long-term approach to securing the funding required for defence across the whole of Europe,” he said. The time for decisive action was now, when security and safety were in peril, the Federal Chancellor said.
- The future of NATO: The Federal Chancellor reminded his listeners that NATO was based on the principle that “we always act jointly, we are always united in facing risks, and that is how we guarantee our security.” He reiterated that this principle could not be called into question. “There can be no fragmentation of security and responsibility between Europe and the USA,” Scholz said.
Read a transcript of the press conference here (only german):