Merz' awards peace prize to NATO - "put a stop to Moscow"

Chancellor Merz used the award of the Westphalian Peace Prize to NATO in Münster for a keynote speech. He underlined the importance of the alliance - also to "put a stop to Moscow". This year, NATO has been awarded the International Prize of the Peace of Westphalia. In Münster, the Western military alliance was awarded the prize by Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

In his eulogy, he praised the "Alliance of Freedom". According to Merz, the alliance has been guaranteeing security and peace in the Euro-Atlantic area for three generations. “It protects our security and prosperity. It serves peace." The Chancellor explained in Münster why this is so important for Merz, above all on the basis of the Russian threat to the allies, Europe - and Germany in particular.

According to the Chancellor, peace and freedom in Europe are currently at stake - "due to Russia's violent, expansive revisionism". Merz warns against serious hybrid attacks "It's also about us," said the Chancellor. And thus used the award ceremony - as announced - not only for praises for the winner, but above all for a keynote speech on security and foreign policy. "We are preparing for further hybrid attacks, including severe ones," Merz said, referring to the dangers posed by Moscow.

Russia violates the most fundamental rules of international law and the European order in Ukraine with extreme brutality, according to Merz. In his speech, he therefore urgently warned: "If we waver in Germany, then Europe will waver. If Europe shakes, so does Ukraine." And if Ukraine falls, the threat becomes even more concrete, according to Merz: "If it is not possible to put a stop to Moscow, then sooner or later the Russian war machine will turn against us, against NATO itself ". As a scenario, he cited, for example, a drone war over the Baltic as in the eastern Ukrainian Donbass region or attacks with ballistic missiles on major European cities.

"We must not turn a blind eye to this danger." "slogans of the AfD and its Russian backers" There is growing resistance to the billions in aid for Ukraine - but Merz stressed that the support protects "freedom and security of the people in our country". Germany will not allow itself to be divided by Russia's "hybrid attacks" or by "slogans of the AfD and its Russian backers". Merz's comments were also echoed by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who accepted the award in Münster. In his acceptance speech, he highlighted the importance of the Alliance for Security and Cohesion.

Ukraine must continue to be supported. Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to "intimidate and challenge, but he will not succeed". While Merz defended NATO as a prize winner in his speech, demonstrators gathered in Münster's city centre to protest against the selection of winners. Already in the run-up, several groups had criticised the fact that the military alliance received the Peace Prize.

The award ceremony was therefore accompanied by high safety requirements. The International Prize of the Peace of Westphalia is endowed with a total of 100,000 euros. The Economic Society for Westphalia and Lippe usually awards it every two years for its commitment to maintaining the peace and independence of Europe. NATO's prize money goes to a non-profit organization in Ukraine.

The Youth Prize for "socioMovens" was also awarded in Münster today: it went to the youth network "socioMovens - Giving Europe a Soul", which has been promoting social commitment, European understanding and a value-oriented youth culture since 2012. In international youth camps and projects, the spirit of a solidary, peaceful Europe is conveyed.