LOlitics begins with thinking about reality. Especially when we don’t like it. Indeed the return of imperialism in Europe is remarkable. Many believed that closer economic ties and mutual dependence would allow us to ensure our stability and our security at the same time. Vladimir Putin destroyed this hope in public with his war against Ukraine.
Also, our Bundeswehr state [l’armée allemande] and civil defense structures, but our overdependence on Russian power indicates that we have allowed ourselves to be lulled into a false sense of security. Political, economic and large sections of our society were too ready to draw important conclusions from the formula of a former German defense minister, according to which Germany would have nothing but friends around her.
That was a mistake.
After the historic turning point of Putin’s offensive, nothing will be the same. This breakthrough results in a mandate for action. We must make Germany safer and more resilient, the European Union (EU) more sovereign, and the international order more viable.
The new reality is the 100 billion euros that we have agreed as a special fund for the Bundeswehr, and this represents a very significant change in Germany’s defense policy. We provide our Soldiers with the equipment and capabilities they need to actively defend our nation and our partners in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in this new era. We support Ukraine as long as it needs: economic, humanitarian, financial and arms supply support. At the same time, we ensure that NATO does not become a belligerent party. Finally, we are ending our dependence on Russia. We have already reduced Russian gas imports from 55% to 30%.
An unprecedented challenge
It is not easy even for a prosperous country like ours. Many citizens are already suffering from the effects of war, especially high gas and food prices. Many people fear their next electricity, oil or gas bill. As a result, the federal government has released more than €30 billion in financial aid to support citizens.
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