On January 8, 2025, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the importance of the inviolability of borders during a press conference in Berlin. His remarks came in response to comments made by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who suggested the potential use of military force to take control of the Panama Canal and Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. Scholz indicated that such expansionist views were causing confusion among European leaders and violated long-standing principles of international law.
During his hastily arranged statement, Scholz revealed that he had spoken with various unnamed European leaders and the president of the European Council earlier in the day. He reiterated that borders must not be altered through force, a principle that has been breached by Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions in Ukraine. Scholz stated, "The principle of the inviolability of borders applies to every country, regardless of whether it lies to the east of us or the west, and every state must keep to it, regardless of whether it is a small country or a very powerful state." He underscored that this principle is fundamental to international law and integral to what he termed "Western values."
Although he did not mention Trump by name, Scholz's comments were reminiscent of the concerns regarding the principles governing international relations. He highlighted NATO as a crucial component of the transatlantic relationship and noted that while Germany has increased its defense spending in response to Russian aggression, the alliance operates on a "regulated procedure" for determining necessary military capabilities. He stressed the importance of unity among NATO members in addressing these pressing issues.
Trump's statements about increasing NATO spending targets from the current 2% of GDP to 5% were also addressed in the press conference. Scholz reiterated that Germany has adjusted its military expenditure following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, signifying a shift in defense policy to meet NATO requirements.
As Chancellor Scholz seeks a second term in the upcoming early election, the discussions surrounding the implications of Trump's comments and the response from European leaders are particularly significant. Scholz's emphasis on the importance of maintaining established borders and the principles of international law reflects ongoing tensions and differing perspectives within the transatlantic alliance.
