Press conference of the Federal Chancellor after the NATO summit in Den Haag
The 32 NATO partners have decided to increase defence spending to five percent of gross domestic product in order to safeguard freedom, security and prosperity. They also confirmed that they would stand by each other if attacked.
- Transcript of press conference
- Wednesday, 25 June 2025
“Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty applies,” said Chancellor Merz after the summit.
Photo: Federal Government/Marvin Ibo Güngör
“This is a memorable day that will certainly go down in NATO history,” said Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz after the conclusion of the NATO summit in Den Haag. But also for Germany, especially in light of Germany’s 50-year membership in the alliance. According to the Chancellor, it was “very much to NATO’s credit” that people had been able to live in peace, freedom and security in the Euro-Atlantic area for decades.
Russia’s criminal war of aggression against Ukraine and Iran’s illegal nuclear programme endangered security and peace. “These crises show what we have in NATO,” emphasised Merz.
The most important facts in brief:
- Effective deterrent: NATO members have decided to allocate 3.5 percent of their gross domestic product to military equipment and 1.5 percent to civil defence and infrastructure used for military purposes. This was necessary to effectively deter Russia and to lay the foundations for freedom, security and prosperity. The additional expenditure was in the interest of the alliance’s own security, not “to do anyone a favour”, emphasised Merz.
- Duty of assistance: The NATO states reaffirmed that they would stand by each other if one of the members was attacked. “Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty applies,” said Merz. He continued that this is a sign of strength and unity in the face of our potential opponents.
- Leadership role: The Federal Government would assume a leading role in the alliance. The aim was therefore to make the Bundeswehr the strongest conventional army in the EU. “We are doing this for a secure and peaceful Europe in a strong and united NATO,” explained the Chancellor.
- Ceasefire between Israel and Iran: The NATO countries welcomed US President Donald Trump’s call for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. If the ceasefire succeeded, it would be a good development that would make the Middle East and the whole world safer, said Merz.
- Support Ukraine: The members of NATO would continue to support Ukraine. This year, 40 billion euros would be made available for this purpose. “Our Ukrainian partners are not only defending their own country. They are also defending our freedom,” said Merz. Ukraine’s NATO membership was not on the agenda.
Read the full statement here (in German only)