German chancellor warns country is not fully prepared for defence

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed concern that Germany is not yet adequately prepared to meet growing security challenges, while insisting that the country is rapidly strengthening its defence capabilities.

Speaking at a press conference in Berlin, Merz said Germany still has work to do despite efforts to bolster its military, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

“I am concerned that we are not yet where we should be, because we see a threat that is right before our eyes every day,” he said.

The chancellor stressed that Europe faces an increasingly uncertain security environment.

“I have said this before and will say it again: we are not living in a state of war, but neither are we living in a state of peace,” Merz said.

At the same time, he argued that Germany is making significant progress in rebuilding its defence capabilities, saying the country is rapidly catching up "like no other country" in the area of defence.

Merz has previously stated that his government aims to transform the Bundeswehr into the strongest conventional army in Europe as Germany seeks to strengthen its military readiness amid evolving security threats.

By Sabina Mammadli