As of: February 27, 2024, 4:18 p.m
By: Sonja Ruf
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Split
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is calling for more investment in Europe's defense capability - also with a view to a "more aggressive Russia, in all areas".
Copenhagen - “Freedom has its price,” said Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in an interview with the
Financial Times.
With this statement she underlines her demand that Europe must invest more in its defense capability.
From Frederiksen's perspective, this is the only way to deter a “more aggressive Russia”.
Denmark is considered a major supporter of Kiev in the Ukraine war.
Specifically, the 46-year-old demands that Europe must make cuts in social spending and tax cuts in order to reinvest this money in Europe's defense capability.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen visits Lviv on the occasion of the second anniversary of the Russian attack on Ukraine.
© Imago/ApaImages
In the background: Trump's statements and Sweden's entry into NATO
The social democrat's comments come just a few days after Donald Trump made a highly regarded statement about NATO.
If a NATO member fails to meet its required contribution obligations, Trump said in mid-February, he would "even encourage Russia to do whatever the hell they want."
According to media reports, the Danish head of government herself has long been considered the future head of NATO (former Dutch head of government Mark Rutte is now expected to do so).
She could currently become the future President of the European Council.
Regarding Donald Trump's statements, Frederiksen notes: “As far as I can remember, all American governments have called on Europe to get involved.
I think they’re right.”
The impending accession of Sweden's Danish neighbor to NATO is also still very recent.
After the parliament of NATO member Hungary approved Sweden's accession with a large majority, only formalities remain before the Scandinavian EU country can be accepted into the defense alliance as the 32nd member.
The Danish head of government warns of a “more aggressive Russia, in all areas”
The social democratic politician herself points out that Denmark and other countries have cut their military budgets since the end of the Cold War in the early 1990s.
This meant that more social spending could be increased and tax cuts could be implemented.
“We need to start the discussion about the fact that […] you cannot spend your penny, your dollar, your euro or your krone twice,” says Frederiksen.
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Frederiksen explicitly warns against a 'more aggressive Russia' in all areas, not just in Ukraine.
In addition, several secret services in northern European countries had warned in the past of increasing Russian military actions.
Reflecting on the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, she says: “I think we have to ask ourselves: Is this the ultimate goal for Russia?
Or is it part of what they want to achieve, to rebuild a Greater Russia?”.
Frederiksen: “In general, we have not paid a price for our freedom in the last 30 years.”
According to Frederiksen, the world is currently characterized by a difficult geopolitical environment due to the focus for too long on simply increasing wealth, for example through the import of Russian gas.
“In general, we have not paid a price for our freedom over the last 30 years,” said Frederiksen.
Denmark itself has significantly increased its defense spending to reach the two percent target this year.
Referring to the possible scenario of a Russian attack from a Moldova, Georgia or a Baltic state, Frederiksen says: “What we need to do in the coming years is to ensure that this does not happen.”
(soru)