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Green leader Annalena Baerbock has renewed her skepticism about the two percent financing target for NATO.
Berlin – Green leader Annalena Baerbock has renewed her skepticism about the two percent financing target for NATO. «My criticism of it is well known; In any case, this indicator does not automatically create more security, ”Baerbock told the newspapers of the Funke media group (Wednesday).
In the 21st century, security “can only be seen as a network”. Baerbock emphasized: “Crisis prevention, for example, is just as much a question of security.” A NATO agreement from 2014 stipulates that by 2024 all member states should approach the benchmark of spending at least two percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defense. It is clear that Europe must take care of its own security, said Baerbock. It campaigned for the military capabilities to be bundled more closely. “It makes no sense that we have ever higher defense spending nationally and only partially plan new capabilities together.”
Baerbock also spoke out in favor of a tough stance on the part of the Europeans against China with a view to the Taiwan conflict. As with Hong Kong, Europe cannot look the other way. “What is needed is a new EU policy on Taiwan that shows solidarity with Taiwan and counteracts Beijing’s threatening gestures. An investment agreement between the EU and Taiwan, for example, would send an important signal, ”emphasized Baerbock. The communist leadership in Beijing regards Taiwan as part of the People’s Republic and threatens to conquer it.
Baerbock also criticized Russia. With a view to the high energy prices, she accused Moscow of a “game of poker” and “downhill” gas deliveries. “We must not allow ourselves to be blackmailed,” warned the Green leader. She called for the Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea gas pipeline not to be granted an operating license for the time being. According to European energy law, the operator of Nord Stream 2 “must be different from the one who conducts the gas”. “As long as it is one and the same group, the operating license may not be granted.” (dpa)
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