Germany’s conservative election winner Friedrich Merz has called for greater European defence independence from the United States, citing rising transatlantic tensions over NATO funding and Ukraine aid.
“For me, the absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, step by step, we can really achieve independence from the USA,” Merz stated on Sunday.
His remarks come in the wake of Donald Trump’s recent comments, where the US president suggested that America’s commitment to NATO and European security was not guaranteed.
Speaking in a post-election TV debate, Merz, leader of the CDU/CSU alliance, said he had no illusions about America’s shifting stance.
“After Donald Trump’s statements in the last week it is clear that the Americans are largely indifferent to the fate of Europe,” he warned.
Merz also raised doubts over NATO’s long-term stability, saying that by the alliance’s June summit, it may be necessary to speed up the creation of an independent European defence strategy.
NATO’s incoming Secretary-General Mark Rutte congratulated Merz on his election victory, posting on X (formerly Twitter) that he looked forward to working with him on strengthening European security.
“It’s vital that Europe step up on defence spending and your leadership will be key,” Rutte said.
Merz also addressed foreign interference in Germany’s election, criticising US billionaire Elon Musk for supporting the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).
“The interventions from Washington were no less dramatic and impertinent than the interventions we have seen from Moscow, so we are under massive pressure from two sides,” Merz said, accusing both the US and Russia of trying to influence Germany’s political landscape.
As Europe navigates growing uncertainty in US relations, calls for a stronger and more independent defence strategy are likely to intensify.
