German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday praised the European Union as an “alternative to imperialism and dictatorship” fake transaction Work with like-minded partners in a world of increasing great power competition.
Mertz stressed the continued value of NATO, in which Europe would step up its defense efforts, and said it would always seek cooperation with the United States, but not as “subordination.” He also joined other european leaders Fighting back against US President Donald Trump assertion Troops from non-U.S. NATO countries have stayed away from the front lines during the war in Afghanistan.
A week after Trump withdrew the bill, Merz addressed the German parliament on foreign policy Threat of new tariffs Against Germany and seven other European countries, urge U.S. to take control Over Greenlanda semi-autonomous territory of NATO ally and EU member Denmark.
“It has become increasingly clear over the past few weeks that a world of great powers is beginning to take shape,” Mertz said. “There is a biting wind blowing in this world, and we will be feeling it for the foreseeable future.”
But he said it also presented opportunities for Europe, as democracies with open and growing markets “seek what we have to offer them, which is a partnership based on mutual respect, trust and reliability.”
“We should not underestimate the appeal of this European model for new partners and new alliances,” Merz told lawmakers. “We are also the normative alternative to imperialism and dictatorships in the world.”
He stressed the value of unity in the sometimes fractious 27-nation bloc and said the bloc had shown last week it could act quickly. “We agree that we will no longer be intimidated by the threat of tariffs,” he said.
But he said Europe also needed to “learn the language of power politics” in order to assert its position in a changing world, such as taking greater responsibility for its security, striving for greater “technological independence” and promoting economic growth.
Merz is a staunch supporter of more EU trade deals, including with South American countries common market of the south Group and another launched attack this week India.
In seeking new alliances, Mertz said, “It is clear to us and to me that we should not carelessly undermine existing alliances.” He added, “Even today, transatlantic trust is a value in itself.”
Europeans want to preserve NATO and make it stronger, he said, and “we will always extend a hand of cooperation to the United States of America.”
“At the same time, the foundation of this guiding principle remains that…as democracies, we are partners and allies, not subordinates,” he added.
Mertz pointed out that during the nearly 20 years of German presence in Afghanistan, 59 soldiers were killed in Afghanistan and more than 100 others were injured.
He did not directly mention Trump’s interview last week, in which the president said he was unsure whether the other 31 countries were involved. NATO The United States is ready to provide support if requested, and the troops of these countries are in Afghanistan “a little further away from the front lines.”
“We will not allow this deployment, which is also for the benefit of our ally the United States of America, to be belittled and disparaged,” Mertz said.