Merz: Europe must “learn the language of power politics”
The Greenland conflict has left its mark on relations between Europe and the United States. Speaking in the Bundestag, Merz set out what he believes the consequences should be for European foreign policy.
Berlin (dpa) – Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged Europe’s allies to become an independent power in a new world order through unity and self-confidence. “If we want to be taken seriously again, we will have to learn the language of power politics,” Merz said in his government statement to the Bundestag.
The Chancellor said a new world order was emerging fast that was shaped by major powers. “This is a harsh world, and we will feel the effects for the foreseeable future,” he said. But he also said that the changes could create opportunities for a Europe acting based on the rule of law and committed to international cooperation.
“Europe is a values-based model – an alternative to rule by force or authoritarian power,” Merz said. “We have something to offer our partners around the world economically and above all in terms of values,” Merz said, adding that Europe could be a power, “especially based on the values we are not prepared to give up”.
Europe must take responsibility for its own security, said Merz, adding that in order to achieve this, dependencies in key technological areas and in defence capabilities would need to be reduced.
