German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) said on Thursday during a government briefing in the Bundestag that the global order is presently reshaping itself, presenting both challenges and opportunities for Europe. He highlighted that emerging democracies with open markets are searching for partnerships built on “mutual respect” and trust. According to Merz, Europe’s past record demonstrates how far international confidence and cooperation can advance a nation, and as a coalition of sovereign states it offers a “normative alternative to imperialism and autocracy”.
Merz stressed that Europe must take control of its own security to cut dependence and reinforce technological sovereignty. He called for greater investment in European defence capabilities and reiterated support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom. He also warned that Europe must boost the competitiveness of its economy to close the widening growth gap with the United States and China.
Finally, he urged Europe to present a united front in order to manage looming challenges successfully. Citing the European Union’s achievements in the December Ukraine negotiations and its effective response to recent tariff threats from Washington-achievements he attributes to “unity”-Merz affirmed that solidarity is a “power factor” on the world stage. He believes that resolve and cohesion will strengthen Europe’s influence in global politics.
