In a speech titled “”Europe is our future” given in Prague at Charles University an hour ago, German Chancellor Scholz took a much more proactive leadership position on the future of the European Union and the war in Ukraine.
Here is a summary of the points made:
-The EU is committed to enlargement of Bloc to include countries of Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia.
-Germany will support Ukraine “for as long as it takes”, urged other EU nations to do the same and close ranks this Winter.
-Germany will send air defense, radar systems, and reconnaissance drones to Ukraine in coming weeks.
-EU enlargement may climb to 36 countries.
-Germany will take on larger responsibility in developing the military of Ukraine.
-Germany will work with the RU and provide core troops to ensure EU rapid response force is ready by 2025.
-Chancellor Scholz personally approves an end to EU vetoes in foreign policy and taxation and seeks “gradual transition to majority voting.”
-Croatia, Romania, and Bulgaria should join Schengen Area.
-Chancellor Scholz called for the creation of a single common air defense system for Europe.
This is a welcome departure from Germany’s less enthusiastic leadership role in the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, which until now, has been dominated by France and the United Kingdom.
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