BERLIN — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared on Tuesday that Europe must pursue significantly greater autonomy in security policy, responding to what he characterized as unacceptable elements within the Trump administration’s newly published national security strategy. The document, released Friday, has drawn sharp criticism for its portrayal of European allies as weakened and its perceived endorsement of far-right political movements across the continent.
Merz, leader of the European Union’s most populous nation and largest economy, expressed particular concern over the strategy’s critical stance on European free speech and migration policies. His comments followed Monday’s warning from European Council President António Costa against U.S. interference in European governance matters, emphasizing that only European citizens should determine their political leadership.
While acknowledging portions of the U.S. strategy as understandable, Merz stated that certain aspects remained unacceptable from a European perspective. He firmly rejected the notion that European democracy required American salvation, asserting that European nations possessed both the capability and responsibility to safeguard their democratic institutions independently.
The chancellor revealed that the strategy’s content aligned substantially with Vice President JD Vance’s February address to European allies in Munich, which Merz said had profoundly influenced his thinking on defense matters. This awakening, he noted, had already manifested in Germany’s increased defense expenditures.
Since assuming office in May, Merz’s government has implemented significant fiscal policy changes to enable enhanced military spending. By relaxing strict debt regulations, Germany has accelerated its military modernization initiative—a process ongoing since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This development occurred alongside NATO members’ agreement to substantially increase defense spending targets during June’s alliance meeting, following pressure from President Donald Trump.
Merz concluded with a diplomatic overture to American leadership: “While ‘America first’ remains acceptable, ‘America alone’ cannot serve U.S. interests. Global partnerships remain essential, and Europe—or at minimum Germany—should stand among these crucial allies.”