German Chancellor Merz: Russia is a threat

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen met in Berlin, the capital of Germany. Following the meeting, the two leaders held a joint press conference. Merz stated that he and Frederiksen discussed relations between the two countries, the security of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, the prevention of irregular migration to Europe, transatlantic relations, and economic and energy policies.

PRAISE FOR SANCTIONS PACKAGE PROPOSALS

Stating that the latest situation in the Russia-Ukraine war and new sanctions against Moscow were the main agenda of their talks, Merz touched upon the 18th sanctions package that the European Union is preparing to implement. "The intense and deliberate bombing of civilian targets in Ukraine for days is unacceptable," Merz said, adding, "For this reason, we will accelerate work on the next sanctions package within the European Union."

Chancellor Merz said, "I am grateful that the EU Commission has brought forward the proposals for the 18th sanctions package, and if everything goes as planned, this will be decided next week. Preparations for potential measures by Congress and the administration in Washington will also continue. We will discuss this issue again at the G7 summit in Canada at the latest by the weekend. I am confident that there will be a consensus in the European Union regarding the 18th package."

"WE WILL ALSO APPROVE A HISTORIC INCREASE"

Pointing to the NATO summit to be held in The Hague, Netherlands, at the end of the month, Merz said, "Russia is a threat to the security of the entire alliance. Russia is a risk to security on both sides of the Atlantic. Therefore, at the NATO summit, we will also approve a truly historic increase in defense spending and we will strengthen the European pillar of NATO together. We will do this not because the US government, the US President, or Washington wants it, but for our own interest."

"WE WANT TO SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF BORDER CROSSINGS"

Reiterating that Germany is a country of immigration, Merz said, "We have been for decades. However, we must not overburden the willingness of our societies to accept and their ability to integrate. We are at the limit of this overload, and therefore we want to significantly reduce the number of illegal border crossings."

"THE AGREEMENT IS NOT TO EUROPE'S DETRIMENT"

Merz stated that he welcomed the agreement reached between the US and China on easing export restrictions on rare earth elements and that this was not to Europe's detriment. Merz expressed his hope for similarly resolving trade disputes between the European Union and the US.

When asked by a journalist about his opinion on the violence occurring in the US, particularly in the city of Los Angeles, Merz said, "The images coming from Los Angeles are disturbing. I hope that a quick solution will be found and that these disputes will end quickly."

Regarding Greenland, which US President Donald Trump has frequently stated he wants to bring under his country's control, Merz said, "We stand with our Danish friends and will continue to do so."

"I BELIEVE THERE IS A RISK OF THE WAR SPREADING"

Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen said that Russia's intense attacks on Ukraine were at the top of their concerns. Referring to the European Union's 18th sanctions package, Frederiksen said, "We need to take action here. We need to strengthen and tighten sanctions. Ukrainians must also be put in the best possible position."

Frederiksen said, "I believe there is a risk that the war will grow and spread to other parts of Europe, and we must be prepared for this. We tried to seek dialogue with Russia; we have been trying to find a solution through dialogue for years. Now we must reach a position where we can defend ourselves, and we want to do this. There is no other alternative. We have to rearm, and we have to do it quickly."

"WE CANNOT ACCEPT EVERYONE"

Stating that they agree with Germany on preventing irregular migration to Europe, Frederiksen said, "If we want to protect the social cohesion of our societies, I believe we need new solutions that will reduce the flow of people to Europe and at the same time ensure the effective return of those who do not have the right to stay in our countries. Therefore, we cannot accept everyone who wants to come to Europe. A democratic decision must be made about who can enter the country."

"THE PEOPLE CAN DECIDE THE FUTURE OF GREENLAND"

Stating that they are pleased to have received clear support from the European Union, their allies, neighbors, and Germany regarding Greenland, Frederiksen said, "Only the people of Greenland can decide the future of Greenland. We have been very clear about the concerns of the Kingdom of Denmark, and our European partners, colleagues, friends, and neighbors have been equally clear. I believe President Trump is serious about Greenland. But at the same time, we are also serious."

News Source: İHA