Chancellor Merz: Europe relied too long on US — that era is over

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged past shortcomings in European defence spending, stating during an interview with British media that Europe had "been free-riders in the past" but was now committed to taking greater responsibility. 

Merz affirmed that both Germany and the United States are now aligned in their efforts to bolster defence and resolve ongoing global challenges, Caliber.Az reports.

Merz, who has held office since May, is currently in the UK to formalise a bilateral friendship treaty. The agreement aims to enhance defence cooperation, address irregular migration, and revive student exchanges between the two countries. 

He emphasized that the historic pact builds on existing Franco-German and Franco-British agreements, reinforcing what he described as a triangular alliance among Europe's major powers.

"We are on the phone once a week; we are co-ordinating our efforts. One issue is the war in Ukraine, and the second is our trade debates and tariffs," Merz noted, referencing his weekly communication with U.S. President Donald Trump. The Chancellor said the two leaders were now on good speaking terms and focused on efforts to bring the Ukraine conflict to an end.

Following strong remarks made earlier this year by U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference, Merz acknowledged that Germany had to "draw our consequences out of that."

Analysts close to his Christian Democratic party believe these comments, alongside President Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington, shaped Merz’s firm stance on boosting Germany’s own defence capabilities.

In one of his first acts after assuming office, Merz spearheaded a constitutional amendment allowing a significant increase in defence spending. “We are not strong enough, our army is not strong enough, so that's the reason why we are spending a lot of money,” he explained.

The UK-German treaty, signed at the Victoria and Albert Museum, includes commitments to mutual defence, joint arms production, and new export campaigns. It also includes coordinated efforts to assist Ukraine with advanced military systems, including long-range missile support.

Beyond defence, the treaty includes a pledge by Berlin to tighten domestic laws against smugglers who store small boats used in illegal Channel crossings. The UK had previously raised concerns after a BBC investigation exposed such networks.

Despite ongoing challenges in EU-U.S. trade relations — with the bloc facing potential 30% tariffs from August 1 — Merz expressed optimism about finding a resolution. “My observation is that the president himself is seeing the challenges and that he is willing to come to an agreement. He gets it.”

Chancellor Merz also acknowledged the strategic shift in American foreign policy. “The Americans were moving away from Europe and turning to Asia,” he observed, noting the importance of European nations assuming more responsibility in matters of security and diplomacy.

In closing, Merz emphasized the treaty’s long-term vision, expressing hope that youth exchanges would rejuvenate ties between the UK and Germany: “We are seeing a big threat, and the threat is Russia. And this threat is not only on Ukraine. It's on our peace, on our freedom, on the political order of Europe.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev