He has vowed to prioritize European unity and the continent’s security as it grapples with the new Trump administration and Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Merz expressed concern over changing relations with Washington under the Trump administration, emphasizing the need for gradual independence from the U.S.

Germany's conservative CDU leader Friedrich Merz welcomed on Monday the interest shown by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in improving ties with Europe, adding that the two had spoken several time in the last few weeks.