The German government approved on Wednesday a new defense doctrine, which has not been revised since 2006, when Russia was a partner, in Syria and Libya was not a civil war, there was no “Islamic state (a terrorist organization banned in Russia), the conflict in Ukraine and the migration crisis, says Deutsche Welle.
The document notes that “without a fundamental change of the political course of Russia in the foreseeable future will represent a challenge to security on our continent,” reports Die Zeit. The doctrine stipulates that in the long term, NATO will seek a strategic partnership with Moscow. Yet against Russia, the German government is going to take a two-pronged approach, which is credible deterrence and defense and to engage in dialogue.”
Ten years ago in Berlin has seen Russia as a close partner, reminiscent of Die Zeit. Now the document says that the situation in the field of security has become more complex, changeable, dynamic and thus more unpredictable,” reports Reuters. The long-term consequences for the security of Europe and thus of Germany due to the fact that Russia openly questioned the existing order in Europe”, according to the doctrine. This document allowed cooperation with Moscow on issues of mutual interest.
A white paper, which sets out the updated strategy of the German security, was presented by the Minister of defence Ursula von der Leyen. She stressed that Germany and France intend to cooperate in the European defense sector after leaving the EU the UK, which in the past “paralyzed” such initiatives. According to her, Berlin and London to hold talks with other EU member States to assess their readiness for joint projects with a long-term goal of creating a unified defense Alliance.
The doctrine stresses that “Germany is increasingly seen as a key player in Europe,” says Deutsche Welle. The document in this regard says that Berlin is ready to “take responsibility” and to take an active part in shaping the world order.
