German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) has emphasized the importance of transatlantic relations and European self-awareness in the lead-up to the inauguration of US President Donald Trump. “The transatlantic relationships are of the utmost importance for Germany and for Europe” he told the Rheinische Post (Monday edition).
“We must not forget how crucial the US was for the establishment of democracy in West Germany. And NATO is the guarantor of our security. That’s why we need stable relations with the US” the Chancellor said. “And as the European Union, we can also build on our own strength.”
As a community of over 400 million Europeans, the Chancellor noted, “we have economic weight.” “We stand as Europeans for the rules we have agreed upon internationally for a long time. One rule is: borders should not be changed by force. After recent statements from the US, I made it clear: that applies to everyone” Scholz highlighted.
The Chancellor pointed out that he has already spoken to Trump twice by phone and that their advisors have met multiple times. “We’re not starting from scratch with the new administration” he said. Trump is to be inaugurated for a second time as US President on Monday, following his first term in 2017.