German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, despite the EU‑skeptical stance of the newly elected Czech government, said he expects continued strong cooperation. After meeting Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis at the Chancellery on Tuesday, he confirmed that Germany and the Czech Republic are “close partners” and that this relationship should remain so. The two leaders agreed to exchange details on several bilateral projects, and to task teams with reviewing and advancing transport and joint energy initiatives.
Babis, in turn, praised the economic ties between the two countries as “excellent”. However, he criticised the EU emissions‑trading system, which is increasingly becoming the focus of speculation. Merz responded that Germany will remain committed to the ETS in principle, though the mechanism may need adjustments. He said this issue would be revisited at an upcoming EU summit.
Babis has served as Czech Prime Minister for the second time since early December 2025. The billionaire, frequently described as a right‑wing populist, leads an EU‑skeptical coalition.
