In a speech titled “”Europe is our future” given in Prague at Charles University an hour ago, German Chancellor Scholz took a much more proactive leadership position on the future of the European Union and the war in Ukraine.

Here is a summary of the points made:

-The EU is committed to enlargement of Bloc to include countries of Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia.

-Germany will support Ukraine “for as long as it takes”, urged other EU nations to do the same and close ranks this Winter.

-Germany will send air defense, radar systems, and reconnaissance drones to Ukraine in coming weeks.

-EU enlargement may climb to 36 countries.

-Germany will take on larger responsibility in developing the military of Ukraine.

-Germany will work with the RU and provide core troops to ensure EU rapid response force is ready by 2025.

-Chancellor Scholz personally approves an end to EU vetoes in foreign policy and taxation and seeks “gradual transition to majority voting.”

-Croatia, Romania, and Bulgaria should join Schengen Area.

-Chancellor Scholz called for the creation of a single common air defense system for Europe.

This is a welcome departure from Germany’s less enthusiastic leadership role in the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, which until now, has been dominated by France and the United Kingdom.

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