Germany's Merz Awards NATO Peace Prize in Münster, Warns of Russian Threat to European Security

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz presided over the Westphalian Peace Prize ceremony in Münster on Friday, where NATO received the prestigious award in recognition of its role in preserving European security since its founding. Merz used his keynote address to issue a stark warning about the dangers posed by Russian aggression to the European security order.

Merz's Warning

Speaking at the ceremony held in the historic Peace Hall of Münster's town hall, where the 1648 Peace of Westphalia was signed, Merz called Russia a direct and growing threat to European security. He argued that NATO's continued unity and increased defence spending were essential responses to what he described as Moscow's deliberate attempt to undermine the post-war European order.

NATO and the Peace Prize

The Westphalian Peace Prize, awarded by the city of Münster, carries particular symbolic weight given the historic significance of the location. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte accepted the award on behalf of the alliance. The ceremony was attended by representatives from numerous NATO member states and senior German officials.

Merz reiterated Germany's commitment to spending 2 percent of GDP on defence and called on other European nations to follow suit to build a credible collective deterrence posture against Russia.