German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wants to see a strong and sovereign Europe, he said on Monday, ahead of hastily arranged talks in Paris following signals that the United States is no longer seeking Europe's input on ending the Ukraine conflict.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for a "strong, sovereign Europe" in preparation for a security conference in Paris in 2025, emphasizing the need for Europe to enhance its defense capabilities and reduce its dependency on the United States. Scholz highlighted the importance of Europe taking more responsibility for its own security, especially in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions, including Russia's war in Ukraine. He stressed the necessity for increased defense spending, better coordination among European nations, and the development of a European nuclear deterrent, while also advocating for a more integrated European defense industry. This push for European sovereignty comes as part of broader discussions on how to ensure the continent's security and strategic autonomy in an increasingly volatile global landscape.