As Europe commemorates the 35th anniversary of German reunification, security experts are calling for urgent action to strengthen the continent’s military capabilities in light of the looming threat from Russia. This collective appeal comes in the wake of indications that the United States may adopt a less direct role in European defense.
Dr. Patrick Keller, head of the Security and Defence Centre at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), emphasized the pressing need for Europe to take charge of its own security. “We are under enormous pressure,” Keller stated. He underscored that the reliance on U.S. support is no longer as effective as it once was, compelling European nations to assume greater responsibility for their collective security and unity.
Leading voices at the commemorative event
The remarks from Keller coincided with a gathering in Saarbrücken, Germany, where European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, marked the historical significance of the event. They were joined by notable figures such as French President Emmanuel Macron and Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, Marshal of the Polish Senate. The event highlighted the critical importance of collaboration among France, Germany, and Poland for ensuring the continent’s security.
Experts pointed out that national interests must take a back seat to enable effective alliances, particularly in light of recent disputes over a multi-billion euro fighter jet project between Germany and France. Gunther Krichbaum, Germany’s State Minister for Europe, elaborated on the necessity of this collaboration, stating that the established “Weimar Triangle,” founded by the foreign ministers of Germany, France, and Poland in 1991, serves as a vital engine for European unity.
The call for enhanced capabilities
Krichbaum indicated, “Nothing will move forward in Europe if Germany and France don’t pull together. Together with Poland, we are now setting decisive impulses for the EU.” He noted Germany’s strategic significance as the largest and wealthiest country in Europe, reiterating the necessity for the nation to rapidly enhance its military capabilities.
Despite the current unlikelihood of a full-scale invasion, Keller cautioned against “pinpricks that become increasingly toxic and severe,” such as potential sabotage of energy supplies and threats posed by Russian drones. He urged for improvements in drone detection and interception capabilities, stressing that the current state of the Bundeswehr, Germany’s armed forces, is inadequate. “Much remains to be done,” Keller remarked, highlighting the depletion of German ammunition reserves that require replenishment.
“We thought we were in a time of eternal peace in a united, liberated Europe surrounded by friends… But those times are over,” Keller emphasized.
The experts discussed the importance of prioritizing joint European projects to solidify defense capabilities. State Minister Krichbaum referred to initiatives like the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), aimed at creating a new fighter jet, and the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), designed to replace the Leopard 2 tank. He called for better coordination to eliminate the fragmentation of various European defense systems.
However, the challenges of achieving harmonious collaboration were evident, particularly in the FCAS project, where there have been disagreements regarding the distribution of project shares. Keller noted a growing sentiment within the French defense industry believing that they could independently develop the future fighter jet without German involvement.
Both Keller and Krichbaum reiterated the urgent need for unity, asserting that a collaborative approach to security and defense policy within NATO is essential to maintain Europe’s deterrence capability.