Berlin, July 03 (QNA) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reaffirmed his government's commitment to boosting its defense capabilities, revealing plans to double defense spending over the next four years.
Speaking after talks on Friday with the leaders of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, Merz said Germany aims to raise defense spending to 3.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2029.
He added that Germany, as the European Union's largest member state, bears a "special responsibility" for Europe's security and stressed that the security of the Baltic states is directly linked to both German and European security.
Merz also said he wanted to make NATO "more European so that it remains a transatlantic", adding that European countries must continue to invest heavily in their own defense.
In a separate statement, the German Chancellery said Merz's talks with the leaders of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania were part of preparations for the NATO summit scheduled for July 7-8 in Ankara.
According to the statement, the leaders discussed security and defense issues, including the war in Ukraine and what they described as the threat posed by Russia.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized European allies in recent months for what he says is insufficient defense spending, urging NATO members to contribute more to the alliance's collective security. (QNA)