Scholz: EU Will Not Be Divided By Russia

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has just finished speaking to a plenary session of the Bundestag in his first gov't statement as chancellor. Issues a number of comments regarding the EU and the broader European security situation.

• Says that the EU 'will not be divided by Russia'. Says that he wants discussions with Russia 'when feasible'. Adds that 'border violations will carry a heavy price'.
• Says that all EU member states are committed to the rule of law, and that Germany stands with the EU on that issue.
• On Germany's stance towards China: "We have to align our China policy with the China that we really find."
• Says that unanimity rules at the European Council level should be removed, "Qualified majority votes have to become the rule." On issues such as foreign policy decisions or decisions on whether to censure member state gov'ts, unanimity is required to go ahead. Should Germany formally come out in favour of QMV across the board it could lead to a major backlash from smaller member states, arguing that their voices would be drowned out by the larger nations.