Scholz advocates the creation of a joint air defense system at European level

Berlin will speak on the reconstruction of Ukraine at a conference of experts scheduled for October 25

PRAGUE, 29 Aug. (DPA/EP) -

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz advocated this Monday for the creation of a joint air defense system at European level with the aim of gaining "in security" on the continent and announced that Germany will lead the initiative, investing "significantly " on defense for years to come.

"An air defense system jointly developed in Europe would be more effective and cost-effective than if each of us built our own systems," the German chancellor said, adding that there is "a lot to do" in defense against air threats and spatial.

Scholz has assured, during his official visit to the Czech Republic, that they will invest "in a very significant way" in this matter "in the coming years". "Germany will design, from the outset, that future air defense in such a way that our European neighbors can participate if they so wish," he added.

The German chancellor has also been in favor of promoting a closer European political community: "Realpolitik must mean involving friends and partners with shared values ​​and supporting them to be strong in global competition through cooperation," he said.

Scholz also stated this Monday from Prague that Europe must face the threat of the "neo-imperialist autocracy", placing special emphasis on the fact that free Europe has been threatened by "the brutal attack on Ukraine".

"This united Europe was born as a peace project within Europe. It is up to us to continue developing this promise of peace by allowing the EU to safeguard its security, independence and stability in the face of external challenges", he underlined.

On the other hand, Scholz has announced that Germany will help Ukraine in the reconstruction tasks, an issue that will be discussed at a conference of experts on October 25 and that includes talking about "international coordination" in this regard.

"This will be the focus of a conference of experts to which the President of the (European) Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and I invite Ukraine and its partners from around the world to attend in Berlin on October 25," Has expressed.

"Germany will bear a special responsibility in terms of developing Ukraine's artillery and air defense capabilities," he said, adding that Ukraine's reconstruction is "a huge undertaking that will take generations to accomplish."