The New German Chancellor promises Europe to be more European!

New German Chancellor Friedrich Merz promised Friday to inject new momentum into Europe during a meeting with European Union officials in Brussels, raising hopes amid a period of geopolitical tension.

Merz promised that Germany would play a strong and active role within the European Union, after pledging to be a “very European” chancellor.

“The challenges we face are enormous and we can only overcome them together,” he said in a lengthy interview about his visits to Paris and Warsaw this week.

The European Union has high hopes for Meretz, particularly in the defense sector, as Europe seeks to strengthen its efforts in this area in the face of its uncertain US ally.

Merz has long advocated budgetary discipline, but his role in Brussels has become increasingly important after he announced his support for easing some European fiscal rules to allow EU countries to invest more in defense.

He stressed that “America is crucial to Europe’s security and indispensable” in this regard.

Immediately after his election, he addressed the thorny issue of tariffs, and spoke with US President Donald Trump on Thursday evening, confirming that the latter had invited him to visit Washington.

During a press conference alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Merz recalled his time as a member of the European Parliament in the early 1990s, stressing that this period influenced him.

“In a way, I’m returning home to Brussels, returning home to Europe,” he said, noting that his visit coincides with Europe Day, which this year celebrates 75 years of European integration.

“This is a very important signal, because you are clearly showing that European policy is an absolute priority for you,” said German von der Leyen.

For six months, Europeans have been watching the volatility of German politics, hoping it will help revive a continent facing a series of crises.

Friedrich Merz’s approach is very different from that of his predecessor Olaf Scholz and is appreciated by many Europeans.

After his term in office from 2021 to 2025, Social Democrat Scholz left a bitter impression in Brussels, where diplomats criticized him for his hesitation and what they considered excessive closeness to Washington.

“A new leader always brings new momentum,” said Antonio Costa, president of the European Council, which comprises the heads of state and government of the 27 EU member states, on Friday.

But Germany’s return to the forefront of the European scene, if confirmed, won’t be without controversy.

Prior to his election as chancellor, Merz pledged to make immigration a key issue for his government, and sparked controversy after unilaterally deciding to deport most asylum seekers arriving at Germany’s borders, a move that angered many of his partners.

“Migration is a common European challenge that requires a common European solution,” von der Leyen said, speaking alongside Merz.

The German chancellor promised not to act alone on the issue, saying, “I am a supporter of the single European market and the Schengen Area, and I want to make this clear to all heads of state and government in Europe who may fear escalation”.