STUTTGART (AFP) — Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) advocates the introduction of the majority principle in the EU, including in the area of foreign and security policy. “Nobody likes to be outvoted – but sometimes that’s necessary so that everyone can make progress,” said Baerbock on Thursday in a speech on European policy in Stuttgart, according to the text of the speech. That is why the federal government is committed to decisions by qualified majority in this area.
“In the past few months, we have repeatedly seen how individual member states in the Council have prevented a strong European position, for example on human rights issues,” argued Baerbock. “We can no longer afford that.” However, the Foreign Minister conceded that smaller EU countries in particular had reservations about extending the majority rule. She is therefore in favor of a step-by-step approach and initially for greater use of existing possibilities for agreement, for example by abstaining instead of voting no.
With a view to the Russian war of aggression, Baerbock reiterated the need for firm support for Ukraine. It is about “a clear rejection of the violent relocation of borders with tanks and bombs,” stressed the Foreign Minister. “If we gave up this principle now, if we simply accepted Russia’s annexations – then we would no longer be safe in Europe itself.”
Baerbock talked about her visit to Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine. In a warming room, she met schoolgirls, including a 16-year-old girl who dreamed of being able to play volleyball with her friends again in peace. This is currently not possible there because of the Russian rocket fire with advance warning times of only 45 seconds. “In the face of Russia’s war, in the face of a new, more ominous security environment on our continent, it is up to us today to build the future of a free and peaceful Europe in our time with determination and courage,” Baerbock said. “That’s exactly why we support Ukraine in its freedom struggle – humanitarian, financial, with weapons.” However, it is just as important to invest heavily in German security, i.e. in strengthening the armed forces.
Baerbock emphatically acknowledged Franco-German friendship and European unity. In the past few decades, “we have achieved much more between Germany and France, but also in the entire European Union, than just eliminating many prejudices,” she said. “A free and peaceful Europe” had been built. She also wishes this Europe for the girl in Kharkiv and for the people in Ukraine in general.
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(END) Dow Jones Newswires
February 16, 2023 13:55 ET (18:55 GMT)