Merz in Washington: Is the transatlantic alliance threatened?

Merz in Washington: Is the transatlantic alliance threatened?

Washington, USA - Friedrich Merz, the designated Chancellor in Germany, started his inaugural visit to Washington, D.C., on June 5, 2025. The politician, who sees himself as a convinced transatlantic, has maintained a strong German-American relationship in his previous tasks as a business representative and as a politician. During his visit, Merz emphasizes the need to strengthen and stabilize Europe at a time of uncertainty. He expresses concerns that the US policy under the government of Donald Trump could endanger the security guarantees that have been in effect for Europe since 1945. Tagesschau reports that Merz despite the challenges this administration brings for Europe emphasizes that the EU is still dependent on the USA.

new approaches to defend Europe

In the goal of the future German foreign policy, Merz has drawn a new, clearer picture. BBC emphasizes that Merz sees the need to intensify European defense efforts and to achieve faster independence from the USA. He criticizes US politics as indifferent to the fate of Europe and asks whether NATO is sustainable in its current form. In this context, the relevance of a European nuclear deterrence in cooperation with France and the United Kingdom is discussed to replace the previous US guarantees.

In addition, Merz points out that the Bundeswehr is considered the second largest of military support for Ukraine behind the USA, but is more careful when posting troops. While the topic of security in Europe has also gained importance with regard to Russian aggression in recent years, the AfD, a right -wing populist party, is known to re -evaluate relationships with Russia and to question support for Ukraine.

The role of Germany in international politics

Merz also addresses the need that Germany has to get more involved internationally after years of inter distraction. With regard to NATO, the political scientist notes that the focus has been on credible deterrent and defense since 2014. Adjustments to the military forces, both decisions and the NATO structures are essential in order to be able to react effectively to current threats, such as the SWP formulates .