Chancellor Angela Merkel has rejected the criticism of French President Emmanuel Macron at NATO. "The French President has chosen drastic words, that's not my point of view," Merkel said at a press conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. "Such a sweep is not necessary, even if we have to get together."
Macron had spoken in an interview with the British magazine "The Economist" of the "brain death" of NATO and criticized the state of the defensive alliance. There is "no coordination in strategic decisions between the US and its NATO allies." The Americans seemed to "turn their backs" on European partners, Macron said.
Merkel said: "The transatlantic partnership is essential for us." In her opinion, there are many areas in which Allianz works well.
Stoltenberg: NATO partners are "more together than ever"
NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg did not respond directly to Macron's verbal attack. But the secretary-general said that NATO was "strong." The US, Canada and Europe are currently "doing more together than ever". The US is expanding its presence in Europe and most members have increased their spending.
Stoltenberg also warned that any attempt to remove Europe from North America within NATO separates not only the transatlantic partners, but ultimately the European ones as well.