VISIT OF THE FEDERAL CHANCELLERY OF GERMANY AND MEETING THE GERMAN CHANCELLOR
I am also glad that the Youth4Peace participants from Ukraine had the opportunity to directly address one of the key decision-makers in the European Union, emphasizing the importance of united and continuous support for their country in defending itself against the Russian Federa- tion, which is pursuing its neo-imperial policy at the cost of thousands of men’s, women’s, and children’s lives. Of course, these are Germany’s strategic decisions, but the fact that the head of state can meet with representatives of Ukrainian youth demonstrates the immense purpose of the support that has so far been given to Ukraine—so that future generations can pursue their plans and aspirations as people free from fear for their own safety. For these reasons, I am truly grateful to all organisations which made this meeting and Youth4Peace possible.
The meeting with Chancellor Friedrich Merz was the first time I had the opportunity to engage with such an important politician in the Euro- pean Union and, within just an hour, to address the most crucial topics concerning European security and future prospects for peace on our continent. The timing of this meeting, in May 2025, was a breakthrough moment for Germany’s role in the security structure of the North Atlantic Alliance. It was then, just a week after our visit, that the decision was announced to significantly increase the personnel of the German army and to aim for military spending at the level of 5% of GDP—a major shift from the previous stance of the German government, particularly in the context of the historic decision to raise Germany’s allow- able debt levels in order to meet the challenge of large-scale rearmament.
Author: Seweryn Nowak, Poland
Youth4Peace 20
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