Strengthening deterrence and defence
Germany - Federal Government
Press conference with Federal Chancellor Merz and NATO Secretary General Rutte
Following the decisions made at the NATO summit in Den Haag, the focus is now on implementation and fortifying defence budgets. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasised this point on the occasion of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's visit to Berlin.
Transcript of press conference
Tuesday, 8 July 2025
NATO has played a major role in ensuring that freedom, peace and prosperity prevail in Germany. To mark Germany's 70th anniversary as a member of the alliance, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz received NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Federal Chancellery. At the joint press conference, both heads of state looked to the future and spoke about the implementation of the decisions made at the NATO summit in Den Haag in June.
The most important points in brief:
- More spending on defence: Germany has set the course to fortify its defence budget and meet NATO's five percent target. The aim is to massively strengthen deterrence and defence capabilities. The Bundeswehr will be expanded, and new equipment is being procured on a large scale. The major procurements will strengthen the German and European defence industry.
- Increase defence readiness in Europe: Greater efforts in deterrence and defence are necessary because Russia is threatening freedom, peace and prosperity in the Euro-Atlantic region. The European pillar of NATO is being strengthened accordingly.
- Continued support for Ukraine: Russia is continuing its war of aggression against Ukraine and is targeting its cities with heavy bombing, said Merz. "That is terrorism against the civil population", said the Chancellor. Germany will therefore offer Ukraine further support in strengthening its air defence and continue discussions with its partners, said Merz.
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