Records

In her 700-page autobiography, Merkel justifies her decision to oppose the rapid accession of Ukraine and Georgia to NATO. She maintains that believing NATO integration would have protected these nations from Russian aggression was an illusion.

“I think it (not allowing accession) was a mistake. I think it would have sent a very, very clear message to Vladimir Putin,” says Green MEP Virginijus Sinkevičius.

“It’s much easier to answer the question of whether he (Vladimir Putin) was ready to attack Georgia or Ukraine. And he did just that in 2008, he attacked during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. He attacked Georgia,” he adds.

Merkel’s approach to energy policy has also come under scrutiny. Critics argue that her pursuit of cheap Russian gas made Germany, the EU’s economic powerhouse, overly dependent on Moscow.

“Angela Merkel’s policy turned out to be a losing one because, because of the desire to obtain cheap gas, she allowed Putin to determine the strategic choices of Germany and Europe,” says MEP Michele Picaro of the European Conservatives and Reformists.

Navigating Economic Crisis

Merkel’s memoirs also touch upon her handling of the Greek financial crisis and the broader European debt crisis during her four terms in office. Her firm stance during that period has drawn criticism from some quarters.

“I think she has left a very bad legacy as far as the euro crisis is concerned,” said the Swedish MEP Jonas Sjöstedt.

“What they did was save the German banks. They made sure they were paid back. And they sacrificed the Greek people, but also the people of Spain, Portugal and Ireland,” he continued.

However, Merkel also has staunch defenders in the European Parliament. Radan Kanev, a member of the European People’s Party, praises her leadership during the eurozone crisis. “The eurozone was on the verge of collapse. And Greece, as a country, as a nation, was on the verge of collapse,” he recalls.

The publication of Merkel’s memoirs provides a fresh opportunity to assess her influence on Europe’s political landscape. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to be debated and analyzed for years to come.

How⁤ did Angela Merkel’s opposition to the rapid accession of Ukraine and ⁢Georgia into NATO influence‍ Russia’s perception of Western commitment to its neighbors’ security?

‍ ## ⁤ Angela Merkel’s Legacy: A Look at Her ‍Time as Chancellor

**Host:** Welcome back to the show.⁤ Joining us today is MEP Virginijus Sinkevičius to discuss the release of Angela Merkel’s memoirs and the renewed debate surrounding her legacy, particularly regarding ‌her stance on ⁣NATO expansion.

**Virginijus Sinkevičius:** ⁤Thank you for having me.

**Host:** Merkel’s⁤ memoirs have certainly⁢ reignited discussion ‌about her 16​ years as Chancellor. ⁤What are your initial​ thoughts on her reflections, particularly concerning her opposition to ‍the ⁣rapid accession ⁣of Ukraine‌ and Georgia to NATO?

**Virginijus Sinkevičius:** ⁢While​ I respect Angela Merkel’s long and impactful tenure, I believe her⁢ decision to oppose the ⁤swift inclusion of‍ Ukraine and ⁢Georgia into NATO was a ‌mistake. I believe this inaction sent a deeply flawed message to Vladimir Putin, suggesting a lack ⁤of commitment ⁤to‌ defend these ⁢nations ​against Russian aggression.

**Host:** Merkel argues in her book that believing NATO membership would automatically protect these countries from ​Russia was an illusion. She asserts that other factors like Russian internal politics played a larger ​role. What’s‍ your ⁢response to that?

**Virginijus Sinkevičius:** While internal Russian politics are undoubtedly ‍relevant, I disagree that​ NATO membership ‍was an illusionary⁤ safeguard. For nations that aspire to democratic values and security guarantees, NATO ⁢membership serves as a powerful deterrent against ‍aggression.​ It sends a clear signal of ⁤collective defense and solidarity.

**Host:** The ​current situation in Ukraine, following the Russian invasion, has certainly raised questions about the effectiveness of diplomatic solutions and deterrence strategies. In hindsight, do you think Merkel’s ​approach to Russia was ultimately successful?

**Virginijus Sinkevičius:** Hindsight ​is always 20/20. While Merkel sought ⁢to maintain open dialog⁢ and engagement⁢ with Russia, the current conflict tragically demonstrates the limitations of that approach. Perhaps a stronger stance ​from the West, ‌including​ a clearer commitment to‌ Ukraine and Georgia’s security, ⁣could have served as a‍ more effective deterrent.⁢

**Host:** Thank you for sharing your⁤ insights, MEP Sinkevičius. We⁣ appreciate⁤ your time and perspective on this ​important topic.

**Virginijus Sinkevičius:**⁢ Thank‍ you for⁤ having me. [[1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO2-xjItstQ)]