Merz Rallies for More Assertive Europe in Geopolitical Turmoil

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for Europe to more assertively pursue its interests in a global environment where the US under President Donald Trump and China dominate geopolitical power dynamics.

Citing the European Union’s population of some 450 million people — more than quarter above that of the US — Merz said the 27-member bloc had no reason to “sell ourselves short.” Instead, he said, the EU should identify its interests and leverage its economic might to ensure that they’re upheld.