BERLIN (Reuters) - All members of the European Union must boost their defence spending to fill gaps in the bloc's capabilities and secure continued support for Ukraine, Germany's new Chancellor
Germany Urges EU to Increase Defence Spending on First Visit
BERLIN (Reuters) - All members of the European Union must boost their defence spending to fill gaps in the bloc's capabilities and secure continued support for Ukraine, Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in Paris on Wednesday.
"Only in this way can we gradually close our capability gaps and collectively support Ukraine," Merz said at a press conference alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, during which the leaders promised a new start for Europe driven by Franco-German cooperation.
It was Merz's first foreign trip as chancellor, with a stop in Poland planned after France as the conservative leader seeks to renew relations with Germany's top allies.
(Reporting by Kirsti Knolle, writing by Rachel More, editing by Thomas Seythal)
