“Let’s not be intimidated by Putin”

The German Chancellor, Olaf Schölzhas dedicated his speech before the plenary session of the European Parliament this Tuesday on the occasion of Europe Day to defending that EU support for Ukraine is maintained as long as it takes to deal with Russia’s aggressive war.

“2,200 kilometers northeast of here in Moscow, Putin is deploying his soldiers, tanks and missiles today. Let us not be intimidated by this display of power.. Let us remain firm in our support for Ukraine, as long as it is necessary,” Scholz said, referring to the Russian president’s warmongering speech during the Victory Day celebrations.

“After all, none of us wants to go back to the time when pecking order was applied in Europe. When smaller countries had to submit to larger ones. When freedom was a privilege of a few and not a fundamental right of all. Our European Union – united in diversity – is the best insurance that this past will not return,” says the chancellor.

[Putin en el Día de la Victoria: “Occidente está en una verdadera guerra contra nuestra patria”]

“And so the message of this May 9 is not the one that sounds from Moscow today, but our message, which says that the past will not triumph over the future. And the future – our future – is the European Union,” Scholz said.

The German chancellor has also used his speech in the European Parliament to present his vision of the reforms necessary to face this future. To begin with, Scholz defends “the creation of a geopolitical Europe”, which implies “a much closer articulation of our advocacy efforts and the development of an integrated European defense economy”.

“Also in the world, Europe must compete with other great powers“, argues Scholz. The United States remains “the most important ally”, but for this alliance to work, it is imperative that the Europeans invest more in security and defense.

China defines itself as a “systemic partner, competitor and rival, although rivalry and competition are increasing.” That’s why, the foreign minister is committed to reducing dependence on Beijing, but without cutting all links. To achieve this, the EU must sign new trade agreements with Mercosur, Mexico, India, Indonesia, Australia or Kenya, he has defended.

For Scholz, the EU must further accelerate the entry of the countries of the Western Balkans, who have been waiting for 20 years, as well as from Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. “It’s about our credibility and it makes economic sense. And it’s about fully ensuring peace in Europe after the tipping point of Russia’s war of aggression,” she said.

The enlargement will require, according to the chancellor, internal reforms in the European Union. In particular, the suppression of the right of veto in decisions on foreign policy and on taxes, something to which countries like Poland are opposed. “I want to tell the skeptics: neither unanimity nor 100% agreement on all decisions creates the greatest possible democratic legitimacy. On the contrary. It is precisely the courtship and struggle for majorities and alliances that distinguishes us as democrats,” he said. alleged.