In a bold appeal, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged for more German leadership within the EU.
He emphasized that neither Germany nor the EU can truly thrive without the other, arguing that a stronger, more engaged Germany is essential to the bloc’s success in an increasingly uncertain world.
In an address to Germany’s parliament, the Bundestag, Merz called for improved competitiveness and less regulation at the national and the EU level, saying, “We don’t need more rules — we need fewer and better rules” in order to “increase productivity to remain competitive.”
Noting that political action makes a difference in this world, Merz stressed that Europe must make more decisive and unified use of its capabilities. “It must bring its power to bear, to shape the world for the better,” he averred.
Speaking ahead of an EU leaders’ summit in Brussels on October 23, 2025,the German Chancellor reiterated his support for plans to bolster defense spending and for Germany to take a more assertive role within Europe.
“Peace can only exist in freedom when it’s founded on strength with economic strength, with political strength and determination, and also with military strength.”
Friedrich Merz
He said that “historic lessons” had shown EU members that individually they were “too economically and politically small” to influence world events by themselves. “But all together, in an alliance, we all have the possibility to help shape a better world,” he said.
The German Chancellor could prove unpopular in some quarters in Brussels next week, given his pledge last week to oppose the bloc’s current plan to stop the registration of all new combustion engine cars by 2035.
While he made no explicit mention of this in his speech, he appeared to allude to it as he called for more open markets, less regulations, and fewer bans.
“Europe will only become more productive when it fundamentally transforms itself. But not just with regulations and definitely not with bans, rather with open technologies, with innovation, with competitiveness, particularly in those technological areas that make environmental protection possible in the first place.”
Friedrich Merz
Merz Accuses Russia Of Washington Insecurity Offensive
Addressing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the more general threat it poses to Europe, such as the recent aerial and drone incursions in EU airspace, Merz accused the Kremlin of waging what he called “an insecurity offensive” against the continent. “We won’t allow ourselves to be intimidated, We’ll defend against it,” he said.
Merz cited Germany’s new National Security Council that’s set to convene for the first time in a few days as one example of this resolve.
Merz also announced that the German government is developing a comprehensive action plan to defend against hybrid threats from Russia.
He accused the far-right opposition AfD of helping to spread Russian disinformation, saying that Moscow’s tactics include sabotage, espionage and murder, cyber attacks and targeted disinformation.
Merz Reasserts Germany’s Support For Ukraine
Moreover, Merz asserted that Germany will “support Ukraine’s defensive struggle for as long as necessary.”
The German Chancellor also repeated his call for some €140 billion ($163 billion) in frozen Russian assets to be used to invest in weapons for Ukraine.
He said that if Russia could not be induced to negotiate peace, it must be taught that it is far more costly to attempt to win the war militarily.
“These additional funds are to be used exclusively to finance military equipment. Paid out in tranches, they would secure Ukraine’s military resilience for years to come.”
Friedrich Merz
Merz said that Ukraine would repay the loans only after Russia had paid war reparations.
This is a contentious idea in some parts of Europe, not least Belgium, where the money is held.
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