Merz warned of Russia's threat to the entire political system of Europe
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that European countries are underestimating the threat from Russia. According to him, Russian President Vladimir Putin is seeking not only to achieve military goals in Ukraine but also to undermine democratic institutions and political stability in European states.
Merz made this statement on October 19 in an exclusive Bloomberg interview conducted by journalist Francine Lacqua.
The Chancellor emphasized that he is particularly concerned about European societies' insufficient understanding of the scale of Russian influence and the Kremlin's long-term goals.
“What worries me most is the underestimation of Russian influence on our societies,” said Merz.
According to the head of the German government, Moscow's actions are aimed at destabilizing the political order of the entire European continent. At the same time, the Chancellor believes that the Russian threat is far from being limited to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Merz noted that many Europeans, including Germans, still do not take what is happening seriously enough.
He said Russia is seeking not only territorial gains in Ukraine but also the weakening of democratic states, open societies, and European integration. According to the Chancellor, it is precisely the successful development of these institutions that alarms the Russian leadership.
Europe preparing for self-defense
Merz also said that European governments have already recognized the seriousness of the situation and are taking steps to strengthen their own security.
In particular, this involves reforming defense policy, increasing military capabilities, and reducing dependence on external support.
According to the Chancellor, Europe is striving to create conditions in which European states can independently provide for their defense within NATO.
The head of the German government stressed the need to strengthen European armed forces and defense industry. However, he did not announce any new specific military programs or additional funding commitments in the interview.
Germany warns of growing hybrid threats
Merz's statement came against the background of warnings from European authorities and intelligence services about the possible expansion of Russian hybrid operations.
Earlier, the German Chancellor said that Berlin is preparing for new, including serious, hybrid attacks. Such threats include cyberattacks, sabotage, interference in political processes, and actions against critical infrastructure.
On October 12, the head of Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Sinan Selen, warned that Russian operations to destabilize European countries pose a long-term threat that may not necessarily disappear even after the war in Ukraine ends.
Warnings have also come from Poland and NATO representatives. European states are considering further strengthening mechanisms to counter hybrid attacks and protect critical infrastructure.
Merz has repeatedly stressed that Germany's security is directly linked to the situation in Ukraine. In his view, ending support for Kyiv would not guarantee security for European countries and could create additional threats to the continent.
In the new interview, the Chancellor again linked the defense of Ukraine to the broader task of preserving Europe's democratic system and strengthening the defense capabilities of NATO states.
Based on materials from: Bloomberg, Deutsche Welle.
