On Thursday, January 29th, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, also known as 梅爾茨, delivered a government statement in the Bundestag addressing the current diplomatic situation. He pointed out that the world is facing intense challenges of great power competition and urged Europe to strengthen its defense capabilities while extending a hand of cooperation to the United States.
Merz emphasized in his speech that Europe must build a stronger NATO internally. He highlighted that Europe must become a leading force in the emerging world order to uphold its values.
He told the lawmakers, “If we do not learn the language of power politics ourselves, Europeans will not be able to realize their ideals.”
This statement reflects a shift in position among European leaders in response to the geopolitical deadlock.
Merz described the current international situation as turbulent. He said, “In recent weeks, we have increasingly seen a world of great power rivalry taking shape. This storm is sweeping across the globe, and in the foreseeable future, we will all feel its impact.”
Despite the uncertainties brought by great power competition, Merz believes it also provides a new opportunity for countries that support the rule of law.
Merz emphasized that Europe has always insisted on the rule of law as the basis for diplomatic relations among countries over the past decades, and in the future, Germany and European allies will continue to uphold and protect this principle.
Earlier on Wednesday, January 28th, the High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union, Kaja Kallas, stated at a defense meeting held in Brussels that the relationship between Europe and the United States has undergone changes.
“I want to make it clear: we want to maintain a strong transatlantic partnership. The United States remains a partner and ally of Europe. However, Europe also needs to adapt to the new reality. Europe is no longer the primary focus of Washington,” Kallas said.
“This shift has been ongoing for some time. It is structural, not temporary. This means Europe must take action,” Kallas stated.
The EU foreign policy chief mentioned that NATO remains the cornerstone of European security, and the EU should complement NATO. He believed that Europe needs to play a greater role, “especially as the U.S. shifts its focus beyond Europe.”