Chancellor Olaf Solz once again called on Russian President Vladimir Putin “to immediately cease hostilities and withdraw his invading troops” from Ukraine, while reiterating the support of Germany and the European Union for the country, “which resists the attack so bravely. “
During joint statements with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, the two leaders stressed the need for the European Union to be united and strong in the face of Vladimir Putin and referred to the many challenges facing Europe in security, defense and foreign policy. relations.
“With the war in Ukraine, our world has changed dramatically,” Olaf Solz said, referring to “a turning point in the European Union as well.” “We call on Putin (Vladimir Putin) to immediately cease hostilities and withdraw his invading troops from the country,” he said, adding that Germany and its allies would continue to support Ukraine “in every way possible.”
In the run-up to the EU Summit on 24 and 25 March, Mr Soltz emphasized that the aim was to address the consequences of the war but also how to appear united and sovereign in order to best protect our citizens. At the Summit, he said, issues of security policy and energy policy will be raised. “We need to strengthen our defense capabilities through investment and better cooperation between partners,” he said, referring to the “Strategic Compass” which will be discussed at the European Council and will be “the first important step”. Mr Soltz also noted that rising energy prices would be a key issue in the talks, with a view to the need for energy independence as soon as possible.
Pedro Sanchez, for his part, said that it was important for Europe to prepare to be able to give the right answer to the Russian president, but also to regulate the consequences of sanctions on its economy. “This crisis must strengthen us, strengthen the European venture and not divide us,” he said. “It’s important for our families, for our businesses and for our industries,” he said, referring to the issue of energy prices. condition. “We have to look united and strong. “We did it in the pandemic, we can do it now,” Sanchez concluded.
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