All for one, one for all
Scholz compares NATO to the Musketeers
May 8, 2024, 7:36 p.m
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Finland has been a member of NATO for around a year – a direct result of Russia’s large-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. During a visit by the Finnish President, Chancellor Scholz emphasized the mutual obligation to provide support “for every square centimeter” of the alliance’s territory.
During the visit of Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed Germany’s support for Ukraine and its commitment to support other NATO states. “All for one, one for all – what was true for the Musketeers also applies to the NATO countries,” said Scholz. “We are committed to one another and we provide each other with protection and assistance.” He made that clear on Monday during his visit to the Baltics, and he will repeat it again. “We will defend every square centimeter of the alliance’s territory,” said Scholz.
The Finnish President also met with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. According to the Federal President, NATO membership is having a positive effect. “It increases Finland’s security, of course, but above all it strengthens NATO’s eastern flank, thereby increasing the security of the entire alliance,” said Steinmeier. “And that’s good in times when the war has returned to Europe.”
Finland has been a member of the Western defense alliance since April last year. It had applied to join NATO after Russia’s attack on Ukraine in February 2022. Finland shares a border with Russia that is over 1,300 kilometers long.
Concern about cyberattacks
Today, Europe is “exposed to a brutal attack,” said Stubb in the press conference with Steinmeier, referring to the war in Ukraine. “We have to stand together and defend Europe together.” Stubb, who has only been in office since the beginning of March, thanked Germany for its “strong support” for Ukraine. “The coming months are very important. When it comes to supporting the Ukrainians, we have to stick together and stay strong.” All states must do more to help Ukraine.
Scholz pointed out that Germany had just provided Ukraine with a third Patriot anti-aircraft battery. “But the point is that there are enough of them. And that’s why many European countries have to see what they can do.”
Steinmeier and Stubb expressed concern about cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns and other digital disruptive maneuvers from Russia. “Of course, we in Europe and within NATO must do much more to defend ourselves against such hybrid attacks,” said Steinmeier. Stubb advised careful action against such hybrid warfare. “We must remain calm and then take the necessary measures to end this warfare.”