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Eastern states want to ramp up their defense efforts

Eastern states want to ramp up their defense efforts
The prime ministers of the eastern German states met for a special conference as part of the ILA Berlin. / Photo: Sebastian Christoph Gollnow/dpa
From: DieSachsen News
The eastern German states are seeking investment in security and defense. However, they are also pushing for better transportation links and believe that eastern Germany is at a disadvantage when it comes to air and rail travel.

The eastern German states want to play a greater role in security and defense—but are calling on the federal government to provide better transportation links. “Massive investments will be made here in the coming years,” said Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) after a special conference of the eastern state premiers at BER Airport. “Here, too, there must be development for all of Germany.” The leaders of the eastern states are also pushing for an expansion of drone testing centers.

The heads of the eastern state governments are demanding more long-haul connections from the capital’s airport. “This BER is the gateway to the world for East Germany,” said Wegner. Economic development is also shaped by BER. However, there is a preference for the airports in Frankfurt/Main and Munich.

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The heads of government from the eastern states met on the sidelines of the International Aerospace Exhibition Berlin (ILA Berlin) at the capital’s airport. The ILA showcases new products and innovations in the fields of aviation, aerospace, and defense.

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