A leading voice within Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is calling for a more assertive role for Germany within the NATO alliance ahead of a meeting between NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and CDU leader Friedrich Merz. Roderich Kiesewetter, the CDU’s expert on foreign and security policy, emphasized the necessity of a strengthened German leadership position within the transatlantic defense partnership.
Kiesewetter’s remarks, published in the “Rheinische Post”, also advocate for a significant increase in German support for Ukraine. He expressed concern that Germany currently lacks the necessary strategic mindset to adequately respond to evolving geopolitical and geo-economic challenges.
The CDU politician cautioned that a failure to adapt swiftly could lead to a widening of the conflict within the next two years. He warned that perceived European weakness and inconsistency may embolden nations like Russia and China, potentially escalating hybrid attacks towards conventional aggression against NATO member states and, notably, Taiwan.
Kiesewetter proposed several concrete steps Germany could take to demonstrate resolve. These include a substantial increase in arms production, increasing financial support for Ukraine toward a level equivalent to one percent of Germany’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the immediate training and delivery of Taurus missile systems and the provision of seized Russian assets to Ukraine. He further suggested exploring the implementation of a mandatory service program and re-evaluating Germany’s policy toward China.
According to Kiesewetter, these measures represent a proactive and cost-effective approach compared to the potential consequences of a Ukrainian collapse and the subsequent expansion of the conflict.
