Joint press conference

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Well, thank you so much, dear Chancellor, lieber Friedrich,

And dear Prime Minister, beste Rob,

It’s a pleasure to be in Germany, as always. But today is really special.

As you know, we just met the soldiers of the First German-Netherlands Corps, and I couldn't be more impressed by the quality and the dedication of the men and women in uniform. And I want to thank them all, and of course also the senior military leadership here for what you guys are doing. It is really impressive. Thank you so much.

Later this afternoon, indeed, I will have the privilege to receive the Preis des Westfälischen Friedens on behalf of NATO.

The honour is for all the armed forces serving under a NATO flag. And for all those in the Alliance, military and civilian, who stand in defence of freedom and democracy, every day.

Without these people, there is simply no NATO. And with these people, we are unbeatable.

We see Russia testing us across Europe. Airspace violations, arson, sabotage, and of course the Russian hybrid attack at Leipzig airport in August.

While we see no imminent military attack against NATO, we must be prepared for Russia's campaign of hostile actions against Allies to continue.

We must all remain vigilant. We must all remain alert. This includes governments, our societies, and industry.

It is important that Allied governments and defence companies work closely together, to ensure our defence industry is resilient against any possible threat.

The Kremlin is trying to divide us, and to push us back from helping Ukraine.

And my message is clear, and our message is clear: keep calm, carry on, and continue the support for Ukraine.

Keep calm because we have what it takes, and we see it today. We have what it takes to defend every inch of Allied territory and remain strong, ready and able to counter any threat. Well, again, look at the example here today: the first German-Netherlands Corps.

Carry on means also carry on in investing in our defence, so that we grow stronger in our ability to deter and defend from any threat, from any direction. And here, Germany and the Netherlands are doing exactly that: ramping up their defence spending.

And support Ukraine. Our response to Russia’s reckless actions is to provide even more support for Ukraine, so it can defend itself.

I hope Putin gets the message.

It’s not just Ukrainians who are suffering. The whole of Russia is paying a huge price for his war of choice.

Putin is sending tens of thousands of young Russians to their deaths, each month, and for nothing.

He is failing on the battlefield, and he is failing to intimidate us.

Dear Friedrich, beste Rob,

We welcome your leadership, and that both your countries are doing more for our shared security. With troops on the eastern flank. With your aircraft to keep the skies safe. And with your navies protecting critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, and beyond.

The First German-Netherlands Corps carries responsibility for commanding NATO forces in defence of Estonia and Latvia.

It’s a warfighting headquarters, capable of commanding an international force of 50,000 soldiers.

And this is yet another example, indeed, as the Chancellor said, of European Allies stepping up and doing more for the defence of this part of NATO territory.

A stronger Europe in a stronger NATO.

Oder wie man das hier in Münster sagt [As it is said here in Münster]: “Communitate valemus – Together strong”.

Vielen Dank.