Federal Chancellor receives NATO Secretary General Rutte
“We will defend every square centimetre of alliance territory.” This was emphasised by Federal Chancellor Scholz at his joint press conference with the new NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, in Berlin.
- Transcript of press conference
- Monday, 4 November 2024
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (r.) received NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Berlin. The talks focused on security policy.
Photo: Federal Government/Steffen Kugler
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz received NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who visited the Chancellery for his inaugural visit to Berlin. During the joint press conference, the Federal Chancellor described NATO as the basis of our joint security on both sides of the Atlantic. However, he added that the peace order in Europe was being threatened to a greater and more massive extent than in many decades previously.
He pointed out that the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine had been going on for over two and a half years already, during which Russia had adapted its industry to a wartime economy and was increasing its arms capabilities. “NATO cannot and must not ignore all of this,” said Scholz, pointing out that citizens rely on the defence of every square centimetre of alliance territory.
The most important points from the Federal Chancellor’s statement:
- European pillar of NATO: Federal Chancellor Scholz is convinced that the European pillar of NATO must be further strengthened. To this end, Europe will invest considerably in increasing its defence capabilities in the next few years. “It is important to be able to handle any threat to security in Europe,” Scholz emphasised.
- Support for Ukraine: Germany is the world’s second largest supporter of Ukraine after the USA, and this support is to be continued. For example, Germany has just provided Ukraine with a loan of 50 billion dollars. “This sends a very strong signal to the Russian president,” said the Federal Chancellor.
- Increasing defence spending: This year, Germany is spending more than two percent of its economic output on defence and is determined to continue this path in coming years.
The funds for the special scheme of 100 billion euros will be used to modernise the Bundeswehr. - Specific contribution to NATO: Germany has stationed soldiers in Lithuania to strengthen the eastern flank of the alliance territory. Next year, Germany will also contribute 35,000 men and women, as well as more than 200 ships and aeroplanes, to the NATO Force Model. These troops are intended to be completely ready for deployment within just 30 days. “This is our specific contribution to NATO,” Scholz said.
You can read a transcript of the speech (only in German) here.