On Monday, on the 70th anniversary of the NATO membership of the Federal Republic of Germany, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is expected to emphasize the special role of the country and its reliability as a partner in the Western alliance in Brussels. According to reports by the FAZ, Steinmeier, who is accompanied by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD), will say: “Today, as Putin’s war against Ukraine rages on with full force and the USA is putting enormous pressure on their European allies, Germany plays a key role.” That’s why, as the Federal President continues, “I address you, our alliance partners, not only with gratitude, but with urgency.” Germany is being called upon – and has heard the call. “We have understood. You can count on us” the Federal President states in the speech manuscript, which the FAZ reports on. Steinmeier, who will also honor the NATO Supreme Commander and the Commander of the US Forces in Europe, Christopher Cavoli and meet with Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Monday, is trying in Brussels to dispel any concerns: “A poorly armed Germany is today a greater danger for Europe than a well-armed Germany.” As a former diplomat, the former Foreign Minister says: “We need a strong military – not to wage war, but to prevent it.” The head of state adds: “Our foreign policy also needs a strong military – not to replace diplomacy, but to make it credible.” NATO, as Steinmeier continues, “was born out of the strength of democracies in the 20th century. No country, not even the USA, could found such an alliance again in the 21st century.” But we all, as the Federal President will add in Brussels, “even the strongest, will need alliance partners in this 21st century. So let’s remember what is at stake for all of us.
Steinmeier: Germany’s Crucial Role in NATO Amidst Putin’s War
