German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that NATO is strengthening in terms of unity and deterrence, announcing that his country will purchase Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States and that these will be deployed in Germany.

Speaking at the Federal Parliament, Merz stated that the NATO Summit concluded with positive results beyond expectations, expressing that the Alliance is "united, strong, and confident."

Merz emphasized the common will for European countries to take on more responsibility in defense, stating that Germany will increase its defense spending to 5 percent of its gross domestic product ahead of the targeted schedule.

 

Evaluating the necessity of defense resources, Merz said, "Even the best social security system is meaningless if we do not live in freedom and peace."

 

Touching upon the agreement reached with the United States within the scope of the NATO Summit, Merz said that Germany will purchase Tomahawk cruise missiles from the US and that these missiles will 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 our own European systems and deploy them in Europe."

 

Merz stressed that NATO will continue to be a transatlantic alliance, stating that European countries cannot leave their security to others and saying, "We are primarily responsible for our own security."

 

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

 

In his speech, Merz also mentioned that the government is preparing comprehensive reforms in the fields of economy, taxation, pensions, and health, noting that the security and economic problems facing Germany can only be overcome with structural reforms.