Lolitics begins with the contemplation of reality. Especially when we don’t like it. The reality is notably the return of imperialism in Europe. Many hoped that close economic ties and mutual interdependencies would allow us to simultaneously ensure our stability and our security. This hope, Vladimir Putin destroyed it in the eyes of all with his war against Ukraine.
Furthermore, the state of our Bundeswehr [l’armée allemande] and civil defense structures, but also our excessive dependence on Russian energy indicate that we have allowed ourselves to be lulled into a false sense of security. Politics, the economy and large sections of our society were only too willing to draw important conclusions from the formula of a former German defense minister, a formula according to which Germany would have nothing but friends around her.
It was a mistake.
After the historic turning point of Putin’s attack, nothing will be the same. This turning point 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 also the 100 billion euros which we have agreed as a special fund for the Bundeswehr, and which marks the most significant reversal in Germany’s security policy. We provide our soldiers with the equipment and capabilities they need to be able to vigorously defend our country and our partners in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in this new era. We support Ukraine as long as it needs it: economic, humanitarian, financial and arms delivery support. At the same time, we ensure that NATO does not become a warring party. Finally, we are ending our energy dependence on Russia. We have already reduced our imports of Russian gas from 55% to 30%.
An unprecedented challenge
This is not easy, even for a country as prosperous as ours. Many citizens are already suffering from the repercussions of war, particularly high gas and food prices. Many dread their next electricity, oil or gas bills. Consequently, the federal government has released financial aid of more than 30 billion euros in order to support citizens.
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