Merz urges for EU competitiveness agenda
In his government statement, Friedrich Merz called for greater support for Ukraine and for the EU’s competitiveness to be reinforced.
Berlin (d.de) – In his government statement on the occasion of the European Council, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for pressure on Russia to be increased and for Europe to take on a stronger role in international crises. He also endorsed reforms for strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, Friedrich Merz urged that further sanctions should be imposed against Russia and that the previously agreed EU loan of 90 billion euros should be disbursed to Ukraine. He stated that the goal was to achieve just peace with European involvement in any negotiations.
Concerning the Middle East conflict, the Federal Chancellor said that Germany would not participate in the USA’s or Israel’s military operations against Iran. At the same time, Friedrich Merz stressed that Iran must not pose a threat to international security, and that Germany’s approach was to focus on diplomatic efforts for bringing the conflict to an end. He added that further escalation could have considerable consequences in terms of security, energy supply and migration in Europe.
Friedrich Merz also said that the upcoming EU Summit would focus on Europe’s competitiveness. He called for an “ambitious European competitiveness agenda” that should provide for a reduction of red tape, for the single market to be strengthened, for new free trade agreements, and for reforms for promoting growth, digitalisation and international partnerships. A united Europe was the most important guarantor for Germany’s future in a world that was shaped by great powers, the Federal Chancellor stated.
