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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin on Wednesday. Topping the agenda for the two leaders was Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, immigration bilateral ties and global trade and politics.
Commenting on recent Russian attacks on Ukraine, Merz stressed that anyone with a reasonably clear view must recognise that “Russia is a threat to the security” of the entire NATO alliance.
As the NATO leaders’ summit in the Hague nears, the German chancellor emphasised that “Russia is a risk to security on both sides of the Atlantic.” Merz noted that the allies are set to discuss a “historic” increase in defence spending at the summit in light of the threat the Kremlin poses to Europe.
“We will strengthen the European pillar of NATO together,” said Merz.
Frederiksen echoed a similar sentiment, as she highlighted the need to bolster the continent’s defences as quickly as possible. “We have to rebuild our European Defence Industry and of course the German Industry is key for us,” said the Danish leader.
“Rearm Europe, do it fast,” added Frederiksen.
The two leaders also discussed immigration, where they expressed similar views regarding the need to impose stricter policies.
“We cannot accept everyone who wants to come to Europe, it has to be a democratic decision who can enter our democratic societies”, said Frederikse.
Chancellor Merz praised the migration policy of Denmark, saying “What Denmark has achieved in recent years is truly exemplary and together we are also moving towards new and stricter asylum rules in the European Union.”
Regarding the repatriation of migrants, Merz said noted that, if necessary, “there will also be corresponding changes to the legal basis”.
Merz and Frederiksen also spoke about the highly volatile and unstable global trade environment, exacerbated by US President Donald Trump’s global tariffs, which have spiralled stock markets internationally.
The German leader welcomed the announcement of a new US-China trade deal, after the two nations agreed on a framework of a new deal to ease tensions and resolve trade disputes.
“I therefore welcome the fact that there has been such an agreement between America and China, and I very much hope that we will succeed in reaching similar agreements with America, for example regarding tariffs, in the near future,” said Merz.
The pair also discussed the ongoing threat to Greenland, after Trump renewed his interest in “taking ownership” of the arctic island; an overseas territory of Denmark.
“The principle of the inviolability of borders is enshrined in international law and is not up for discussion,” said Merz. “We stand closely by our Danish friends on these issues and will continue to do so.”
Frederiksen once again shot down Trump’s remarks, insisting that Greenland is not for sale and its sovereignty is non-negotiable.
“Sovereignty of states, the territorial integrity, and by the way the future of Greenland can only be decided in Greenland by the Greenlandic people.”
She added that she thought Trump was “serious” when it comes to Greenland “and I have to say that so are we.”
Additional sources • EBU, AP
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