German Minister: Europe Must Rearm As Threats Rise

Europe must ensure that it can better protect itself, since by the end of the decade it can face new threats, and because the United States, is focusing attention on Indo-Peacekeeping, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has said.

Russia is increasing the production of weapons to cope with the war in Ukraine, but thus threatening the Baltic states as well as Georgia and Moldova, Pistorius is quoted as saying, during an interview for the newspaper Welt am Sonntag.

According to him, the United States will eventually reduce military commitment in Europe, as they have more interest in Indo-Peacekeeping.

“We Europeans must engage more, to ensure the safety of our continent”, said Pistorius, although he has acknowledged that the region will need time to increase weapons production.

It will take 5-8 years to reach the goal of armed forces, industry and society”, he said.

Europe is clear that it will have to compensate US aid to Ukraine if Washington fails to reach compliance with the new funds, the German minister has added.

According to him, the new power in Poland, the most friendly with Europe, will enable the countries of the Vajmar Triangle, Berlin, Paris and Varshava to boost their military co-operation.

Pistorius has said he does not expect the German army to repeat missions like those they had in Afghanistan or Mali.

The German mission in Afghanistan has been the first for this country since the end of World War II. / REL