- Category
- Latest news
Germany’s New Chancellor Merz Urges EU Nations to Boost Defense Budgets and Support Ukraine
- Authors
![Amira_barkhush]( "Photo of Amira Barkhush")
Germany’s new Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, called for all European Union members to increase defense spending in order to address the bloc’s capability gaps and ensure continued support for Ukraine.
Speaking at a press conference in Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron on May 7, Merz emphasized that boosting defense investment is crucial to closing these gaps and fostering collective support for Ukraine. The two leaders also pledged a renewed focus on Franco-German cooperation to lead Europe forward.
“Only in this way can we gradually close our capability gaps and collectively support Ukraine,” Merz said.
The Chancellor also announced plans for an upcoming trip to Ukraine.
On April 13, it was reported that Merz signaled his willingness to provide Ukraine with long-range Taurus cruise missiles, marking a potential shift in Berlin’s military support as Kyiv continues to press for more high-precision weapons to hit deep into Russian-held territory.
-a80eca3386f843ec2c53278e18ae1131.jpg "Rare Footage Shows Ukrainian Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Unit Launching Multiple Chaklun-V UAVs at Night, Video")
