Friedrich Merz

Germany

German Chancellor Merz 'mentally preparing' for long war in Ukraine

Speaking in an interview on Sunday with German public broadcaster ZDF, Merz said he has not lost hope about the ceasefire or peace talks but “harbours no illusions".

01/09/2025

Economy

Germany’s GDP contraction worse than expected after tariff boost

The economy had seen a slight uptick at the start of this year as businesses sought to get ahead of tariffs, but the country has now slipped back into contraction territory.

22/08/2025

No Comment

WATCH: Berlin hosts Ukraine talks before Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Wednesday for talks with European and US leaders ahead of a Trump-Putin summit in Alaska later this week.

13/08/2025

Ukraine

Trump warns of 'consequences' if Russia does not stop war in Ukraine

Ukraine’s president and European leaders held virtual talks with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, just days before his much-anticipated meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

13/08/2025

Europe News

European leaders hope to sway Trump on Ukraine during virtual meeting

US President Donald Trump will meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday with Europe once more fearful its interests will be trampled on.

13/08/2025

Germany

Why the German chancellor cannot celebrate his 100 days in office

The German government has left for its summer break, but things are bubbling up behind the scenes. And Chancellor Friedrich Merz is under pressure - not only in the polls, but also from within his own ranks.

10/08/2025

Germany

Germany halts military exports that could be used in Gaza, Merz says

Merz’s comments come amid a sea change of opinion among a number of Western countries about how the war in Gaza is being fought and the resulting humanitarian crisis.

08/08/2025

Europe News

On defence, France and Germany are inching closer but remain far apart

Germany has a lot of catching up to do but has plenty of fiscal space to do it.

28/07/2025

World News

E3 leaders make renewed call for ceasefire in Gaza amid hunger deaths

The call comes after the three leaders spoke again by phone on Saturday morning, following Friday's conversation. According to the British PM Keir Starmer, the E3 leaders talked about the situation in Gaza, which they agreed is appalling.

26/07/2025

Economy

EU member states adopt retaliatory hit list in response to US tariffs

The member states adopted on Thursday morning the list of countermeasures targeting €93 billions' worth of US products in response to US tariffs, but the Commission is yet to follow suit. It will only come into effect on August 7 if the two parties fail to reach an agreement.

24/07/2025

Germany

Defence and tariffs top the agenda at Merz and Macron working dinner

As Merz hosted Macron in Berlin, their agenda included a long list of topics, such as defence, energy and EU trade policy.

23/07/2025

Europe News

Protesters drown out live interview with AfD leader Alice Weidel

Far-right leader Alice Weidel's scheduled "summer interview" was drowned out by raucous demonstrators.

21/07/2025

Europe News

Germany's top firms present investment push to revive economy

Around 60 leading German companies pledged a major "Made for Germany" investment initiative on Monday, aiming to boost investor confidence in the country after two years of recession.

21/07/2025

Europe News

Western defence ministers meet to discuss providing Ukraine with arms

The talks come after Trump announced a plan whereby European nations would send US weapons — either from existing stockpiles or new arms — to Ukraine via NATO.

21/07/2025

Europe News

Merz criticises EU and vows to pull Germany out of recession

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz revealed his top priorities for the next three years and delivered sharp criticism to the EU.

18/07/2025

Europe News

Germany deports 81 Afghans under tougher migration policy

Coordinated with Qatar, the flight departed on Friday as Berlin toughens migration policy. Officials said all deportees had criminal records and were required by law to leave.

18/07/2025

Europe News

Germany and UK sign 'first of its kind' defence and migration treaty

UK and Germany signed a historic defence treaty on Thursday, ensuring mutual aid in attacks and targeting migrant smuggling. The pact also strengthens military and economic cooperation.

17/07/2025

Europe News

EU trade ministers to mull US tariffs as Germany’s Merz cautions calm

US President Donald Trump's letter warning the EU that 30% tariffs will apply from 1 August unless a deal is reached has turned up pressure on trade negotiations.

14/07/2025

Germany

Allies need to ramp up arms production, NATO's Mark Rutte says

The alliance's secretary general underlined that NATO allies need to increase military and defence production after meeting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin.

09/07/2025

Economy

German Chancellor says he’s confident EU-US trade deal will come soon

The EU is working to avoid a tariff rate as high as 50% ahead of a 1 August deadline. It now appears that a 10% duty is on the table.

09/07/2025