German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for creating a unified European air defense system, reports Der Spiegel.

Speaking at the Charles University in Prague, Scholz said that building a joint air defense system in Europe would be cheaper and more efficient than at the national level. According to him, "the system created together would increase the security of the whole of Europe."

In his speech in Prague, Scholz also called for EU enlargement, writes Deutsche Welle. According to the chancellor, the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova countries and, in the future, Georgia should become part of the EU.

This expansion is in the interests of the European Union. These days, the question again arises of where the dividing line between a free Europe and a neo-imperialist autocracy will henceforth be drawn.

During his speech, Scholz said that Germany should take on a special responsibility for building up the potential of Ukraine in the field of air defense and artillery. According to him, Berlin will continue to help Kyiv and will send modern weapons to Ukraine in the coming weeks, including air defense systems, radars and drones.

• In June, the leaders of the EU countries granted Ukraine and Moldova the status of candidates for EU membership. EU leaders also agreed to grant candidate status to Georgia after the country fulfills a number of conditions. Candidate status is also held by North Macedonia (applied in 2004), Albania (in 2009), Serbia (in 2009), Turkey (in 1987) and Montenegro (in 2008).