A new era for the defence and security architecture of the European Union and for the deepening of European integration was ushered in by German Chancellor Olaf Schultz's historic speech to the Bundestag today. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is proving to be an accelerator of European developments, as the Old Continent now has a common stride, united against the new threats of the 21st century, but also equipped with the right tools, as was evident from today's speech by the German Chancellor, who sounded the alarm about the end of the "post-war order".
February 24 was a turning point
In formulating a "manifesto" for the "free world", the German Chancellor - in the first international crisis he was called upon to manage at the beginning of his term of office as Germany's highest office - clearly set out the stakes for his country and for the future of Europe. "24 February 2022 is a turning point (...) The world after will not be the same as the world before" that date", with Berlin realising the historicity of the moment, signalling "sirens" of awakening for the European acquis and at the same time assuming its share of responsibility towards history as the strongest country in the eurozone.
Armaments-mammoth
The German Chancellor stressed that Vladimir Putin's actions "cannot be justified by anyone or anything" and went on to say, "I know what people's concerns are. "But the question is whether we can join forces to prevent Putin from turning the clock back to the era of the 19th century rulers," Scholz added at the extraordinary meeting of the German delegation, where, to applause from all wings, he announced a special 100 billion euro fund for the German armed forces, enshrined in the constitution, completely overturning the country's hitherto national budget for defence spending. This would correspond in 2024 to 2% of Germany's GDP, he explained. "We are doing it for our own security, not just to keep our word to our allies," he added, now aligning with the relevant obligation for NATO member states as a "vote of confidence" in the alliance.
Window of opportunity
At the same time, the German Chancellor announced a joint defence programme with Paris, with the Franco-German axis now leading European defence in new terms, accelerating Europe's strategic autonomy in the face of the threat of the "post-war order". The next generation of fighter aircraft and tanks should be built in Europe together with France, Solts recommended, opening an important window of opportunity for the Greek defence industry as well, in case the upgrading of arms programmes in the future goes through the industries of the EU member states.
Defence instead of fiscal orthodoxy
The complete shift to the German doctrine of fiscal orthodoxy, which has kept Germany's defence spending stuck for decades, is Berlin's most emblematic response to the emergence of new regional challenges for Europe and the world, as Mr. Solts described how Germany is on the right side of history in the "new reality" created by the Russian president. At the same time, Berlin's move to lift fiscal constraints on its national economic programme in favour of the European, defence acquis paves the way for sweeping changes to other European fiscal policies, such as relaxing the Stability Pact.
Vladimir Putin "put himself on the margins of the entire international community with a shameful violation of international law () wanted to divide the continent by force of arms," the German Chancellor said, now focusing resources and forces on stopping revisionism (Russian first) through a mammoth arms program, but also with Europe on a common "battle line" against Moscow.
At the military level, the German Chancellor's visionary speech simultaneously marks the filling of lost ground for the German armed forces, which have been reduced in numbers in recent years compared to the level they maintained at the end of the Cold War, while the Special Fund will also contribute to strengthening Europe's deterrent power, which has so far been maintained at an adequate level by the defence armaments of France and Greece.
Deterrence a priority
Already, a first contribution to Germany's united European stance against the Russian invasion is, according to the German Chancellor, his country's decision to assist the Ukrainian forces with weapons systems, as Mr. Scholz described as crucial to prevent the conflict from spreading to other countries. This war, after all, is Putin's war, the German chancellor said once again, and also made it clear that Germany would not allow the Russian president to open old wounds.
"Russian Empire"
At the same time, Mr. Solts appeared convinced of the Russian president's political goal, noting that "Putin wants to build a Russian empire and shape the characteristics of Europe according to his ideas." "It is clear that we need to invest more in the security of our country in order to protect our freedom. We need strong ultra-modern armed forces," Solts added in this context, although he recalled that "the reconciliation of Germans and Russians is one of the most important chapters in history", while praising those in Russia who are protesting against the actions of their leadership. "It takes great courage," he said.
Messages to Ankara
Moreover, the German Chancellor's clear - and tough stance - against Russia's "neo-Charisian" narrative is an indirect message to other potential revisers of the international order, such as Turkey. A message, which is even heavier in the case of Ankara, as the Germany of the "Merkel era" was Turkey's main interlocutor, but also a valve for decompressing fierce sanctions and condemning Turkish transgression within the EU.
New energy doctrine
The turning of the page regarding Germany's role in Europe and the modern world is further reflected in Chancellor Solz's position regarding the imposition of sanctions on Moscow. Both the 'special relationship' that Berlin has enjoyed in recent years with Moscow in the energy field (as the largest energy consumer in the EU), culminating in the planning of the Russian-German Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, and the neutral stance taken by his predecessor, Mr. Soltz's predecessor Angela Merkel's neutrality in the face of Western objections to the pipeline is now a thing of the past, as the German Chancellor announced his country's energy decoupling from Russia.
In particular, Soltz announced the construction of two liquefied natural gas terminals to store larger quantities of gas and the redirection of the energy market towards renewable energy sources.
In particular, Soltz announced the construction of two liquefied natural gas terminals to store larger quantities of gas and the redirection of the energy market towards renewable energy sources. "What is now necessary in the short term must be combined with what is needed in the long term," the German Chancellor commented, anticipating that "Putin will be forced to rethink his war" as "the Russian leadership will soon feel the harshness of the sanctions."
Unanimous approval
Absolute support for the "Solts package", but also a complete change in the slipstream of German policy was provided by the German parliament, sealing the new German doctrine. The leader of the Christian Democratic Party (CDU), Friedrich Murch, who took the floor immediately after the Chancellor, was quick to congratulate Mr Solts on his speech and to guarantee that "we will go down this road together".
Source: protothema.gr
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