Overview

• Chancellor Friedrich Merz marked Europe Day in Brussels by reinforcing Germany’s commitment to the European Union's goals on competitiveness, security, and migration.
• Merz advocated for increased collective EU funding for defense and security equipment, highlighting the need for a united European approach.
• He reiterated Germany’s opposition to permanent joint EU debt issuance, emphasizing its use only as an exceptional measure during crises.
• In a recent call with U.S. President Donald Trump, Merz expressed support for a 30-day Ukraine ceasefire plan and urged stronger European sanctions on Russia if progress stalls.
• Merz reaffirmed that EU trade negotiations must be conducted collectively, not bilaterally, a stance reportedly accepted by Trump.