The proposal by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz offering Germany as a potential alternative partner to the United States should they disengage from Europe has drawn sharp criticism from within the European Parliament. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Chair of the European Parliament’s Defence Committee, denounced the suggestion as a significant misstep and reflective of a deeper, concerning pattern of behavior.
Speaking on the program “Burgard” for the German broadcaster Welt, Strack-Zimmermann articulated her dismay, describing the proposal as another instance of Merz “putting his foot in it”. She emphasized that the offer, even stated informally, fundamentally misunderstands the dynamics of transatlantic and European relations. “To say, ‘if you don’t want anything to do with Europe, take Germany’ – it simply doesn’t work that way” she stated.
Beyond the immediate diplomatic awkwardness, Strack-Zimmermann argued that Merz’s statement directly contradicts his own ambition to position Germany as a leading force within the European Union. She highlighted the inherent contradiction: Germany’s self-proclaimed leadership role, based on its economic strength and population size, is undermined by a willingness to seemingly retreat from collective European action when circumstances become challenging.
The parliamentarian drew a pointed comparison to the legacy of former Chancellor Angela Merkel, referencing her continued pursuit of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project even after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 – a move widely criticized across Europe. Strack-Zimmermann suggested both actions represent a tacit undermining of the European project, prioritizing short-term national interests over broader European solidarity and strategic alignment. This latest incident, she suggests, is further evidence of a troubling trend within the German government, which risks eroding its credibility as a reliable and committed partner within the EU. The incident is likely to intensify scrutiny of Merz’s leadership and its commitment to a strengthened, unified European Union.
