The French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, expressed his concern about the Russian economy on the brink of suffocation with interest rates at 21 percent. Regarding NATO, Barrot emphasized that the EU needs to promote its autonomy in defense, as he believes the Trump administration will not prioritize European defense. He also stated that increasing tariffs would harm everyone, including American businesses.
During the Berlin Foreign Policy Forum, organized by the Körber Foundation, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized the importance of the presence of Europeans, especially Ukraine, in peace negotiations. She insisted that peace in Europe can only be achieved if Europeans actively participate in the discussions.
Baerbock mentioned the need for strong measures to ensure peace, pointing out that an observation mission would not be enough. She highlighted that the involvement of non-European actors is crucial to achieving a peace agreement that builds trust. Furthermore, she stressed the importance of involving countries close to Vladimir Putin in the negotiations.
The German minister underscored the urgency of approaching the goal of 3 percent of GDP in defense spending and asserted that peace is a shared desire. Although she acknowledged the existing polarization in the U.S. and Europe, she stated that there is a majority in favor of increasing defense spending. Baerbock highlighted that, despite Germany's current economic situation, it is essential to approach the 3 percent defense spending target to contribute to European peace.
In another statement, Barrot asserted that Donald Trump will not allow Russia to carry out territorial annexation in Ukraine, as it would enshrine the law of the strongest with serious consequences. He opined that Trump would not make gifts to Vladimir Putin and that impulsive decisions regarding tariffs could negatively impact middle-class American taxpayers.
