German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that NATO has strengthened in terms of unity and deterrence, and that his country will purchase Tomahawk cruise missiles from the US, which will be deployed in the country

In a statement made in the Bundestag, Merz said that the NATO Summit concluded with positive results beyond expectations, stating that the Alliance is “united, strong, and self-confident.”

Merz underlined that European countries demonstrated a common will to assume greater responsibility in defense, and stated that Germany would increase its defense spending to 5 percent of its gross domestic product before the targeted deadline.

 

Commenting on the necessity of resources allocated to defense, Merz said, “If we do not live in freedom and peace, even the best social security system will be meaningless.”

 

Referring to the agreement reached with the US within the scope of the NATO Summit, Merz stated that Germany would purchase Tomahawk cruise missiles from the US and that these missiles would be deployed in the country, adding, “Thus, we are closing a significant strategic gap in our defense. At the same time, we will also work to develop and deploy our own European systems in Europe.”

 

Emphasizing that NATO will continue to be a transatlantic alliance, Merz stated that European countries cannot leave their security to others, saying, “We are primarily responsible for our own security.”

 

Merz also stated that Germany aims to strengthen its defense industry, adding that Canada’s order of 12 submarines from a consortium of German and Norwegian companies is one of the largest international export agreements in the country’s defense industry history and will provide employment for thousands of people for many years.

 

In his speech, Merz also explained that the government is preparing comprehensive reforms in the areas of economy, taxation, pensions, and healthcare, noting that Germany’s security and economic problems can only be overcome through structural reforms.