- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated Europe has rediscovered "self-respect" by defending the rules-based global order.
- Merz called for a stronger NATO presence and capabilities within Europe to enhance collective defence.
- He emphasised extending cooperation and partnership to the United States amid transatlantic relations.
- The remarks, delivered on Thursday, highlight Germany's vision for European leadership in security matters.
Berlin (Washington Insider Megazine) 29 January 2026 – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Thursday that Europe has rediscovered its "self-respect" by standing up for a rules-based global order. He called for a stronger NATO presence within Europe while extending cooperation to the United States. The remarks underscore Germany's leadership vision in transatlantic relations.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered a keynote address on Thursday emphasising Europe's renewed commitment to defending the rules-based international order. Speaking to an audience of policymakers and diplomats, Merz declared that the continent had found the
"joy of self-respect"
in asserting its principles amid global challenges. He advocated for bolstering NATO's European pillar without diminishing ties with the United States.
Merz's speech occurred during a high-level security conference in the German capital, where leaders gathered to discuss transatlantic security dynamics under the current geopolitical landscape. The chancellor highlighted Europe's evolving role, stating,
"Europe had found self-respect in standing up for a rules-based global order."
His comments reflect ongoing debates within the European Union and NATO on strategic autonomy.
The event drew attention from international media, with reports noting Merz's balanced approach to alliance strengthening. He explicitly called for "a stronger NATO within Europe," signalling a push for greater European contributions to collective defence. At the same time, Merz extended
"the hand of cooperation to the United States,"
reaffirming Germany's commitment to the transatlantic partnership.
Merz Outlines Vision for European Security Autonomy
Credit: REUTERS - Liesa Johannssen
Chancellor Merz positioned his remarks within the context of recent NATO summits and European defence initiatives. He argued that self-respect emerges from Europe's ability to defend shared values independently when necessary.
"We have found the joy of self-respect,"
Merz said, linking this sentiment to concrete actions like increased defence spending across member states.
Reports from the conference indicate that Merz referenced specific NATO commitments, including the 2% GDP defence spending target met by more European nations. He urged further integration of European forces to reduce reliance on external partners while maintaining alliance interoperability. This stance aligns with positions voiced by other EU leaders in recent months.
Merz's call for a
"stronger NATO within Europe"
included proposals for enhanced joint procurement of military equipment and standardised training programmes. Conference attendees noted his emphasis on rapid response capabilities to address hybrid threats from eastern borders. The chancellor's words were met with applause from German delegates and nods from allied representatives.
Transatlantic Cooperation Remains Central to Merz's Strategy
Despite advocating European strength, Merz stressed the enduring importance of the US partnership.
"While still extending the hand of cooperation to the United States,"
he remarked, underscoring mutual interests in global stability. This dual approach aims to reassure Washington of Europe's reliability as an ally.
German government spokespersons confirmed that Merz's speech builds on bilateral talks held with US officials earlier in the month. The chancellor referenced shared goals in countering aggression and upholding international law, drawing parallels to ongoing multinational operations. Media coverage highlighted how this messaging counters narratives of alliance fracture.
In the address, Merz pointed to historical precedents of transatlantic success, including joint responses to crises over the past decade. He called for renewed dialogue on burden-sharing within NATO, ensuring European initiatives complement rather than compete with American efforts. This balanced rhetoric positions Germany as a bridge-builder in alliance politics.
Context of Germany's Leadership Under Merz
Credit: Photo by Nicolas TUCAT / AFP
Friedrich Merz assumed the chancellorship following elections that shifted Germany's political landscape towards centre-right policies. His Christian Democratic Union-led coalition has prioritised security and economic resilience since taking office. The Thursday speech marks a continuation of Merz's public diplomacy focused on European unity.
Conference organisers described the event as a platform for frank discussions on defence postures. Merz's participation alongside counterparts from France, Poland, and the UK amplified the message's reach. Reports indicate that the audience included NATO officials who welcomed the proactive tone.
Merz reiterated Germany's role as NATO's second-largest contributor, citing troop deployments and financial pledges. He linked self-respect to tangible investments, such as modernising Bundeswehr capabilities and hosting alliance headquarters. These details provide backdrop to his broader narrative of confident European engagement.
Broader Implications for NATO and EU Defence Policies
The chancellor's statements come amid heightened focus on NATO's eastern flank reinforcements. Merz advocated for permanent European battlegroups to enhance deterrence without sole dependence on US forces. This proposal echoes recommendations from recent alliance strategic reviews.
European media outlets reported Merz's praise for progress in EU defence fund allocations, which support joint projects like air defence systems. He noted that self-respect manifests in Europe's willingness to enforce sanctions and maritime patrols upholding global norms. These examples illustrate practical steps towards the vision he articulated.
Attendees at the conference observed that Merz's speech prompted side discussions on integrating UK capabilities post-Brexit. His emphasis on a "rules-based world" referenced adherence to UN charters and WTO frameworks, areas where Europe has led multilateral efforts. The address concluded with a call for unity against revisionist powers.
Reactions from European and US Stakeholders
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Initial responses from fellow European leaders affirmed alignment with Merz's outlook. French President Emmanuel Macron's office issued a statement supporting stronger intra-European defence ties. Polish officials echoed the need for NATO robustness, citing regional security concerns.
US embassy representatives in Berlin described the remarks as constructive, noting ongoing consultations. A NATO spokesperson welcomed the commitment to alliance strengthening, highlighting Merz's role in upcoming ministerial meetings. These reactions indicate broad acceptance of the chancellor's framework.
Domestic German press coverage focused on Merz's ability to blend assertiveness with partnership. Outlets like Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung quoted delegates praising the speech's clarity. International wires such as Reuters and BBC relayed the key phrases verbatim, ensuring wide dissemination.
Historical Backdrop to Merz's Rules-Based Order Advocacy
Merz's rhetoric draws from Germany's post-war commitment to multilateralism. He invoked the legacy of Atlanticist policies that fortified Europe's post-Cold War stability. Recent disruptions, including energy crises and territorial disputes, have catalysed this renewed emphasis on principles.
The chancellor referenced specific instances where Europe upheld rules, such as coordinating aid corridors and cyber defence protocols. These actions, he stated, restore continental confidence. Conference materials distributed background briefings on NATO's adaptation to new threats.
Merz's address also touched on economic dimensions, linking trade compliance to security. He highlighted EU measures safeguarding supply chains, which bolster the rules-based economic order. This holistic view integrates defence with broader foreign policy.
Event Details and Attendance Highlights
The security conference spanned two days, featuring panels on deterrence and innovation. Merz keynoted the closing plenary, attended by over 500 participants from 30 nations. Security was tight, with protocols reflecting the event's prominence.
Organisers from German think tanks curated sessions drawing on official NATO documents. Merz arrived via official motorcade, delivering remarks from a podium emblazoned with alliance logos. The speech lasted 25 minutes, followed by a moderated question-and-answer segment.
Media access included live pools, with footage aired across European networks. Transcripts in English and German were released promptly, facilitating global reporting. The venue, a historic Berlin convention centre, hosted similar gatherings in prior years.