US EditionGermany's Merz: Europe found 'joy of self-respect' to defend rules-based world
Merz stressed Ukraine's EU accession requires meeting Copenhagen criteria amid political hurdles and noted 75% of EU citizens oppose early membership, reflecting broad skepticism.
- On Thursday, Friedrich Merz told the German parliament the European Union is an alternative to imperialism and autocracy and urged Europe to take greater security responsibility and pursue technological independence.
- Amid rising great‑power rivalry, Merz said last week that the EU demonstrated its ability to act quickly after Trump withdrew tariff threats over Greenland, a Danish territory.
- Merz advocated specific steps to deepen ties, championing more EU trade agreements with Mercosur and India while insisting Europe will preserve NATO cooperation but not be subordinate to the United States.
- He vowed Europeans would not be intimidated by tariff threats, saying the EU agreed not to be bullied and cited 59 German troops who died in Afghanistan, warning their service must not be disparaged.
- The speech positions Europe to attract partners, as Friedrich Merz, German chancellor, argued the EU can create cooperation opportunities and joined leaders pushing back against President Donald Trump's NATO troop claims.
67 Articles
67 Articles
Germany's Merz: Europe found 'joy of self-respect' to defend rules
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday said Europe had found "self-respect" in standing up for a rules-based global order, and called for a stronger NATO within Europe while still extending the hand of cooperation to the United States.
‘It’s Impossible’: Germany Rejects 2027 EU Entry for Ukraine as Kyiv Pushes Fast-Track Bid
Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Ukraine, like all candidates, must meet the EU’s Copenhagen criteria – a process that typically takes years and requires sweeping political, legal, and economic reforms.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz argued on Thursday that Europe must find a way to once again become a dominant force to assert itself in the new emerging world order, dominated by a few powerful players, dpa reports.
Associated Press News
German leader hails Europe as an 'alternative to imperialism and autocracy'
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says the European Union can be an “alternative to imperialism and autocracy” and can forge deals with like-minded partners in a world of increasing great power rivalry.
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