German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that the full-scale war of the aggressor country Russia against Ukraine, despite its tragedy, accelerated the development of military technologies and opened up new strategic opportunities for Europe. He said this at a press conference during the summit in Cyprus, which was broadcast by Dawn News English.
Making political statements about European security and the future of NATO, Merz recalled the allies' agreements to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. According to him, this decision is positively perceived in the United States, but Europe must independently strengthen its own defense capabilities.
He emphasized that EU countries should be able not only to defend their own territory, but also to participate in resolving possible conflicts in Europe, relying on their own resources and strength.
Commenting on the impact of the war in Ukraine, Merz said that while it was “bitter”, it had also become a catalyst for the development of military technology.
“It also has a positive effect: we see the development of military technologies, which is happening so quickly that we would not have had it without this war. And in this, despite all the tragedy of the war and the terrible suffering that it brings to the country and people, there is a great opportunity that we are using,” the chancellor said.
