German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, a member of the Green party, believes that Germany is well-prepared for the consequences of Donald Trump’s presidency. “Of course, some people had hoped for a different outcome, but that’s democracy” she told Politico. She also mentioned that Germany has experience with “Trump-like” situations.
Baerbock emphasized the importance of a strong European stance in the face of the changing transatlantic relationship. “We have been working intensively in the European context to position ourselves strategically, so that we can make our own interests and stance clear in this situation, which will certainly be more challenging in some areas than in the past three years” she said. “America is one of our closest partners and a long-standing friend, but if it becomes more difficult in some areas, then Europe will not be left in the dark. It needs strong German leadership.”
Regarding the debate on defense spending, Baerbock stated that it is pointless to propose arbitrary numbers without a solid plan to back them up. She advocated for increasing defense spending, saying, “It is important that we invest more than two percent of our GDP in the long term. This could be as high as three percent in crisis years.”
Baerbock suggested reforming the debt brake to allow for more investment in defense and security. “Europe must take more responsibility for its own security and invest in it. That’s why I have been advocating for a reform of the debt brake, taking into account the security aspect” she said.
The minister also emphasized the need to boost synergies with European partners, saying, “If we were to do this more efficiently as the European Union, we would not have to spend ten times as much, but could also invest more in security with a contribution from all member states.”
Baerbock highlighted Germany’s historical responsibility, saying, “That’s why I appeal not to suddenly halve Ukraine support.” She called for a three-billion-euro package for Ukraine, but noted that the German government is still in an internal debate on the issue.
Finally, she cautioned against blaming Germany for the current situation, saying, “We can be grateful as Germans that, after the previous governments of CDU and SPD ignored all the warnings from our European neighbors, the 24th of February three years ago, the full-scale Russian invasion, did not lead to all the other Europeans saying, ‘Germany, that’s your fault.’