German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told the German parliament on Thursday that Europe has recently discovered a "joy of self-respect" through its firm stance in defending the rules-based global order. Merz also advocated for a strengthened NATO presence within Europe while maintaining cooperative ties with the United States, according to reporting by Reuters.
Merz’s address underscored a growing European resolve to project strength and uphold established international norms, following recent trade disputes and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The Chancellor noted the increasing clarity of a world dominated by great powers, suggesting rough economic and geopolitical winds are anticipated for the foreseeable future.
Specifically addressing recent trade friction, Merz asserted that the European Union would no longer yield to tariff intimidation, referencing the recent standoff involving potential U.S. tariffs related to Greenland. He stated that the EU demonstrated swift, united action in determining not to be intimidated by such threats again.
These sentiments echoed remarks made by French President Emmanuel Macron at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where leaders called for resilience against unilateral pressure. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also used the forum to advocate for a new dimension of European independence.
Merz pointed to recent EU trade agreements, such as those with Mercosur and India, as evidence that Europe is advancing its agenda by prioritizing rules-based trade over self-interest. He suggested that Europe must accelerate internal reforms while simultaneously streamlining regulatory burdens.
Furthermore, Merz directly countered recent criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding European contributions to security operations. Merz highlighted the sacrifice of 59 German soldiers in Afghanistan, stating unequivocally that the deployment would not be belittled or denigrated.
This period of external pressure appears to have solidified a consensus among key European actors regarding the necessity of strategic autonomy and adherence to multilateral frameworks. The challenge now lies in translating this newfound resolve into consistent policy action across the bloc.
