Merz in Poland: Russia remains biggest threat to European security

He said this at a briefing with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw, where he arrived after visiting Paris, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“Russia is and remains the biggest threat to our security… It remains a threat to Euro-Atlantic relations,” Merz stated.

He noted that Poland, as a direct neighbor of Russia and Belarus, is particularly vulnerable in this regard, and Germany understands this well. Therefore, the Chancellor emphasized, it is necessary to quickly strengthen deterrence forces and collective defense capabilities. He highly appreciated Poland’s efforts to protect NATO, especially its eastern flank.

According to Merz, Germany has amended the Constitution to be able to increase spending and will invest “hundreds of millions and billions in defense in the coming years.”

“This is our common defense, which we must continue to develop in Europe,” the Chancellor emphasized.

He recalled that Polish and German pilots jointly protect the airspace of Poland. German special forces provide security at the airport in Rzeszow, while German ships are deployed in the Baltic Sea off the coast of Poland as part of a NATO mission.

The German Chancellor also emphasized that Germany and Poland are among the biggest supporters of Ukraine in terms of political and military aid, as well as accepting displaced Ukrainians.

Since the visit is taking place on the eve of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Merz touched on the topic of the historical responsibility of the Germans to the Poles, recognizing the unspeakable suffering caused to the Polish people. According to the politician, there can be no common future between the two countries, even in the European Union, without remembering the past.

“Germany will never forget the millions of victims of the occupation in Poland. We also want to create a permanent location to remember and honor the victims in Germany. The establishment of a memorial to the victims of German aggression and occupation in Poland as soon as possible is also a very important issue for me personally,” Merz said.

As reported, Friedrich Merz was elected Chancellor of Germany on May 6.

Photo: PSP/EPA/CHRISTOPH SOEDER