Europe needs to think about its own security amid, that the US is no longer a world leader and will no longer be able to defend European countries. This was stated by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
In an interview with a number of European publications, Merkel said, that European countries need to seriously think about the new reality, where the United States no longer aspires to play the role of world leader. She called on Europe to independently build up military capabilities, and not wait for American help.
We grew up with a certain understanding, that the United States wants to be a world power. If the US now wants to stop playing this role of its own free will, we would need to seriously think about it
– Merkel stressed.
According to her,, American troops in Germany not only played the role of defender of NATO countries, but also defended Washington's interests. Merkel pledged to continue to increase Germany's military spending, keeping “NATO commitment” and “nuclear umbrella”. At the same time, she called on European countries to increase defense spending.
But, of course, Europe must bear a greater burden (expenditures), than during the cold war
– she stressed.
Earlier, Merkel has already criticized the United States and called on Europe “think more about your protection” and not rely on the American army.
