German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday urged European nations to take stronger responsibility for their security, stressing increased defense spending and collaboration amid global shifts. Speaking before an informal EU summit in Budapest, Scholz underscored Germany’s fulfillment of NATO’s 2% defense spending target, encouraging other countries to do the same. His remarks follow Donald Trump’s U.S. presidential election victory, which has raised concerns in Europe about transatlantic relations and Trump’s commitment to NATO. Scholz noted that EU leaders discussed how best to maintain cooperation with the incoming administration, particularly as the EU faces challenges like the Ukraine conflict and tensions in the Middle East. He highlighted the need for European unity and resilience, urging collaborative projects for collective security.
Trump’s previous administration criticized NATO members for underfunding defense and was less supportive of aiding Ukraine against Russia, reigniting worries over Europe’s reliance on U.S. support.
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