Speaking at the press conference held at the end of the summit, Olaf Scholz pointed out that it was a difficult time and that Europe was under a security pressure.
“This summit has once again strengthened NATO, thus emphasizing its readiness to defend and increasing cohesion within the alliance. That’s why Vilnius was a very successful summit,” Scholz said.
Chancellor Scholz stated that the Vilnius Summit was very important for several reasons and said, “It was the first summit where we brought Finland into our ranks as a new ally. Sweden will soon be one of our allies. I am sure that Finland and Sweden will strengthen the security of the alliance.”
Stressing that NATO is a defense alliance that does not threaten anyone, Scholz pointed out that from 2025, his country will contribute more to the strengthening of NATO’s eastern flank.
“NATO is a defensive alliance that threatens no one, but is ready and able to meet any military threat,” Scholz said.
Scholz said that as NATO allies, more investment is necessary to fulfill the increasing military missions.
Referring to his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the German Chancellor reiterated that his country will continue to support Ukraine as long as necessary.
“Security commitments to Ukraine within the framework of the G7 mean a long-term strategy that Kiev can rely on,” Scholz said.
Regarding Ukraine’s NATO membership issue, Scholz made the following assessment:
“There are existing NATO regulations that everyone knows and have been applying to anyone who wants to join NATO for years. No country is exempt from them. Meanwhile, there are issues in the regulation such as integration, preconditions for cooperation, democracy and legal situations. But we are in a completely different situation right now. It’s about supporting Ukraine in a very concrete way right now, that’s what we’re doing.”
Asked whether there is a consensus among German government partners regarding the sale of Eurofighter warplanes to Saudi Arabia, Olaf Scholz replied, “I would say that any decision regarding the delivery of Eurofighters to Saudi Arabia is not on the agenda for the foreseeable future.”