On Thursday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel rejected French President Emmanuel Macron's claims that NATO is experiencing “brain death”, praising the alliance as “a cornerstone” of the EU's security.
In a column published by Der Spiegel magazine earlier this week, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas specifically warned that “it would be a mistake if we undermined NATO.”
“Without the United States, neither Germany nor Europe will be able to effectively protect themselves,” Maas argued.
He called for strengthening Europe's defence capabilities, adding, “that's why together with France, we are working hard to build a Europe that works much closer together in security policy.”
Maas also cautioned the EU and NATO not to play against each other, calling for the creation of “a strong and sovereign Europe”.
“But we need it as part of a strong NATO and not as its replacement,” he added.
The remarks followed French President Emmanuel Macron's interview with The Economist, in which he claimed that NATO was experiencing “brain death” and referred to a lack of coordination and US unpredictability under President Donald Trump.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel was quick to respond by saying that “the French president has found rather drastic words to express his views.”
“This is not how I see the state of cooperation at NATO,” she said, adding that “NATO remains a cornerstone of our…
