Stuttgart, Germany – – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned of a deepening rift between Europe and the United States, and a broader shift towards a more competitive and potentially volatile global order. Addressing a conference of his Christian Democrat (CDU) party in Stuttgart, Merz called for increased European unity and strength in the face of what he described as a new era of “great power politics.”
Merz’s remarks, delivered alongside a warmly received appearance by former Chancellor Angela Merkel, come amid growing anxieties in Europe over the potential for a more isolationist US foreign policy under a second Donald Trump administration. He specifically referenced the changing dynamics of international relations, citing Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and the rise of China as significant factors reshaping the global landscape.
“This new world of great powers is being built on power, on strength and when it comes to it, on force. It is not a cosy place,” Merz said, echoing sentiments expressed earlier in January at the World Economic Forum in Davos. This assessment aligns with observations made by figures like Canada’s Mark Carney, who recently warned of a fracturing world order characterized by intensifying rivalry between major powers.
The Chancellor’s address at the Munich Security Conference underscored the urgency of repairing transatlantic trust. He urged the United States and Europe to work together to navigate this period of increased competition, arguing that neither side can effectively address global challenges alone. He emphasized that participation in alliances like NATO is not merely advantageous for Europe, but also for the United States.
Merz directly addressed American “friends,” acknowledging past tensions and implicitly referencing Trump’s previous criticisms of NATO. He insisted that the alliance remains a crucial component of both European and American security interests. His appeal for renewed cooperation comes as concerns mount over potential shifts in US commitment to collective defense arrangements.
Beyond the transatlantic relationship, Merz also sought to delineate European values from what he characterized as the “culture war” associated with the MAGA movement in the United States. He stated that freedom of speech, while valued, has limits when it infringes upon human dignity and constitutional principles. He also reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to free trade, contrasting it with protectionist policies favored by some in the US.
The German Chancellor further emphasized Europe’s continued adherence to international agreements on climate change and its support for the World Health Organization (WHO), despite the US withdrawal from the latter under the Trump administration. This divergence highlights a growing sense in Europe that it must chart its own course on key global issues, even when it differs from US policy.
Domestically, Merz used the CDU conference to vow to prevent the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party from gaining further influence. He warned against allowing the AfD to “ruin” the country, signaling a renewed effort to counter the party’s growing popularity, particularly in eastern Germany, where it hopes to win its first state election this year.
The CDU conference also saw Merz acknowledge criticism regarding the pace of economic reforms promised during last year’s election campaign. He pledged to accelerate efforts to reduce bureaucracy, lower energy costs, and attract investment, arguing that economic prosperity is essential for Germany’s security. He also announced plans for further welfare state reforms and a revised pension system proposal, following internal party disagreements on the issue.
The upcoming state elections, beginning next month with votes in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate, and continuing later in the year with a crucial ballot in Saxony-Anhalt, represent a significant test for Merz’s leadership. The AfD’s potential success in Saxony-Anhalt would mark a major breakthrough for the far-right party and further complicate the political landscape in Germany.
Merz’s warnings about a changing world order and the need for European resilience reflect a broader sense of unease among European leaders. The confluence of geopolitical challenges, including the war in Ukraine, rising global competition, and potential shifts in US foreign policy, is prompting a reassessment of Europe’s role and its future direction. The Chancellor’s call for unity and strength underscores the urgency of this task.
The German leader’s message, delivered both in Germany and at the recent Munich Security Conference, is a clear signal that Europe is preparing for a more uncertain and competitive world, and is determined to assert its own interests and values on the global stage.
