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BERLIN ― Germany’s next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, called for a united European front as Donald Trump distances the U.S. from its historic role in safeguarding the continent’s security.
Fresh off his conservative party’s electoral success which will see him try to form a coalition over the coming weeks, Merz detailed his talks on the transatlantic issues with the president of France.
“I had a long conversation with Emmanuel Macron as he was on his way to Washington,” he told reporters on Monday. “We are fully aligned on how to approach the U.S. administration.”
He also said he would speak to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is due in Washington Thursday.
The conservative leader didn’t mince words about U.S. President Trump’s “America First” doctrine, warning that it was veering toward an “America Alone” posture that could leave Europe vulnerable.
“We must prepare for the worst-case scenario,” he said. “One in which American engagement in European security significantly declines.”
But he said he remained hopeful that a strong and cohesive European stance could keep Washington engaged.
Pressed on his plans to engage with London, Merz confirmed that he would soon speak with Starmer and welcomed Britain’s renewed push to reestablish closer ties with the EU.
“I strongly support the fact that Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron traveled to Washington together for high-level talks,” he said.
Merz stressed that Europe must take charge of its own defense, with key Eastern European partners playing a central role.
“Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is a crucial ally in defining Europe’s defense strategy,” he said. “Some European states must take the lead — it’s unrealistic to expect all 27 member states to immediately agree on every issue, but medium-sized and smaller nations, including the Baltic states, must help shape a common strategic vision.”
With a NATO summit in The Hague looming, Merz said the coming months would be pivotal for European defense policy.
“By late June, we need clarity on how the transatlantic relationship will evolve and what Europe’s role in its own security will be,” he said, emphasizing the need for increased European investment in defense.
Despite tensions, Merz reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining strong ties with Washington.
“Keeping our alliance with the U.S. intact is vital,” he said. “NATO is not just a military pact, it’s a political alliance built on shared values: democracy, open societies, and market economies. I sincerely hope we can continue to uphold these principles together.”
This story has been updated to correct the date of Starmer’s visit.
