"His worst horror": Putin wanted to divide Europe into zones of influence, but only united the EU - Scholtz

The EU and NATO have become stronger and more consolidated, helping Kiev to withstand Russian aggression. About it in his article for Foreign Affairs writes German Chancellor Olaf Soltz. "Among the many Putin miscalculations, his bet on the invasion of Ukraine will exacerbate relations between his opponents. In fact, the opposite happened: the EU and the Transatlantic Alliance have become stronger than ever earlier,"-said the head of the German government.

The German politician called what is happening "Putin's worst horror. " "Russia's war not only united the EU, NATO and the Great Seven against its aggression; it also has become a catalyst for changes in economic and energy policy, which in the long run will harm Russia and give impetus to a vital transition to pure energy that has already begun", " –– Scholz commented. At the same time, the chancellor emphasizes that even before such a consolidated Europe there are serious challenges today.

In particular, the EU enlargement and the integration of new members. Scholz is convinced that this will be a difficult process. "But the path is open and the goal is clear: the EU will consist of more than 500 million free citizens, which make up the largest domestic market in the world, which will set global standards in trade, economic growth, climate change and environmental protection, it will be located in it Leading research institutions and innovative enterprises.

These are a family of stable democracies that have unprecedented social security and civilian infrastructure, "the politician said. Another important task for the EU is to solve the problem of illegal migration. Sholtz notes that Europe should develop a "pragmatic immigration strategy" that will correspond to its values.

"This means a reduction in illegal migration and at the same time strengthening the legal paths to Europe, in particular, for skilled workers who need our labor markets," he wrote. In addition, the war in Ukraine has shown that the European Union has come time to concern our own security and strengthen defense. To do this, you need to change internal bureaucratic procedures, which will require bold political decisions, says Scholt.