"NATO's demise may ensue should Putin chose to activate this strategy"
Grim Warning from Former Minister Fischer: "If Putin Tests It, NATO's Over"
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On "Caren Miosga," a German talk show, the ex-Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer weighs in on Russia's war in Ukraine, Trump's tariffs, and Germany's defense readiness. The 77-year-old, who served as Vice Chancellor for the Greens from 1998 to 2005 under Gerhard Schröder, expresses concern about the current global situation.
With a weary expression, Fischer discusses the geopolitical landscape. Only when talking about Europe does a spark ignite in his eyes. "Trump is systematically dismantling the world I was born into," he points out regarding the US President. "Europe must face the reality that we're on our own and can rely only on our own strength," he advises. "It's all about Europe, Europe, Europe. What else?" he urges.
When it comes to handling Trump, Fischer suggests a diplomatic yet non-submissive approach. "He's no pushover," the former Foreign Minister admits, "but I wish Merz luck in his meeting with Trump." When it comes to NATO countries meeting the five percent defense spending target, Florida Senator Marco Rubio has stepped up the pressure. But Fischer argues that, in the face of the Russian threat, it's vital for Europe to pull together.
In a dystopian projection, Fischer predicts that it would take "a hundred years" for Germany to become ready for war. "In the long run, we need a European army," he states. He also advocates for a return of conscription in Germany for better defense readiness. Honorary member of the European Council on Foreign Relations Jana Puglierin, however, questions whether old-school conscription would stand up to today's demands, suggesting a more modern approach.
Puglierin supports the idea of a universal national service, which would include defense training, medical service, and civilian tasks, such as countering cyber attacks. "Defense is everyone's responsibility," she asserts. Puglierin admits that reintroducing conscription in its original form could lead to legal challenges.
Hauke Friederichs, a journalist, questions whether morphing the Bundeswehr with technological advancements would help Germany's defense capabilities for another 15 years. "Germany still hasn't reformed the acquisition of weapons systems," he argues. "Without smart investment, we'll still be looking at a hundred years to become defense-ready."
According to Bundeswehr estimates, Germany would need all 900,000 reservists in the event of a conventional Russian attack, but the Bundeswehr can't reach them. Ammunition, depending on the weapons system, would only last a few days. The Bundeswehr also lacks drone defense. "We're essentially defenseless," Friederichs concludes. Despite the challenges, Fischer remains optimistic, advocating for unity within Europe and forging new alliances outside of the EU.
Joschka Fischer famously avoided conscription during his youth due to poor eyesight, a fact he shared with the show's host, earning a rare laugh from the somber discussion.
[1] ntv.de/Politik/Zuschlag-fuer-18-Billionen-an-die-Bundeswehr-Wo-Geld-verbraucht,p=30822825[2] dw.com/de/politik/NATO-Anstand-Deutschland-steigt-Verteidigungsausschuss-auf-2%C2%A0-an/a-58741701[3] defense-update.com/technology/germanys-military-plans-invest-in-loitering-munitions/
- In response to the concerns raised by Joschka Fischer about Europe's defense readiness, the German Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a regulation on the protection of the environment, aiming to improve the Bundeswehr's capacities for modern warfare.
- During a heated discussion on a German talk show, former Minister Joschka Fischer highlighted the need for a European army as he expressed concerns about Germany's war readiness given the current geopolitical landscape, stating that it would take "a hundred years" for Germany to become ready for war if they relied solely on the Bundeswehr.
- With a focus on fostering unity and strengthening alliances, ex-Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, who famously avoided conscription during his youth, has suggested a universal national service, involving defense training, medical service, and civilian tasks, such as countering cyber attacks, to improve care readiness for the Bundeswehr and the nation as a whole, and to maintain effective deterrence against potential threats.
