Germany's Merz calls for reset with US as old global order crumbles

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged for a stronger Europe to rebuild trust with the U.S. amid shifting global politics. In his Munich Security Conference speech, he emphasized that “the U.S. could not go it alone” and called for Europe to enhance its defenses, mentioning talks with France on nuclear deterrence.

Merz highlighted a rift in transatlantic relations, stating, “the international rules-based order was about to be destroyed." In contrast, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged changing dynamics but maintained that U.S. and European futures are linked.

Recent polls show declining favorability of the U.S. in Europe. Merz rejected last year's confrontational remarks by Vice President JD Vance, stressing Europe's commitment to free trade and human dignity.