Security in the NATO area – Steinmeier meets Petr Pavel – Politics

With a view to Germany’s security, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier does not consider an increase in the defense budget to be sufficient. “Investing in our own security not only means expanding the budget in the German budget, but above all it also means making a greater effort to contribute to the security of the NATO area as a whole,” said Steinmeier on Tuesday during a visit by his Czech counterpart Petr Pavel at Bellevue Palace in Berlin. Having a local presence protects you from getting involved in the war yourself. Referring to the Ukraine war, Pavel said: “I believe that Germany can show its leadership qualities in many areas.” This included, for example, the common defense of Europe, but also post-war reconstruction. Pavel only took office at the beginning of March and stands for a pro-European course.