Germany's chancellor urges new 'partnership' with Trump, US
Deutsche Welle
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered a speech at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) calling for a revival of "trans-Atlantic trust" between Europe and the United States under the Trump administration. While acknowledging the growing ideological divide, Merz emphasized the importance of NATO as a shared strength for both sides of the Atlantic. He warned that in an era of great-power rivalry, even the US cannot act alone, urging a stronger partnership to address global challenges like Russia's war in Ukraine and China's rising influence.
Merz highlighted the need for Europe to take a more proactive role in shaping its destiny amid shifting geopolitics. He stressed that while Germany would not engage in great-power rivalries, Europe must unite to counterbalance stronger global players like China and Russia. Merz also criticized the MAGA movement's "culture war" as incompatible with European values, which prioritize free trade over protectionism and human dignity over divisiveness. He referenced Trump-era policies, such as visa bans on European officials and trade disputes, as examples of strained US-EU relations.
The speech came amid efforts to rebuild trans-Atlantic ties. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Merz's call for partnership in his own MSC address, emphasizing shared values and roots between Europe and the United States. While Trump's administration had promoted a more confrontational approach, including Vice President JD Vance's criticism of European free speech standards during last year's conference, Rubio's tone aimed to reassure rather than provoke.
Merz's remarks reflect a broader shift in European thinking about its role on the global stage. He argued that Europe must act as a sovereign force, shaping its own destiny and security without relying on external powers. This approach aligns with growing calls for a more assertive EU foreign policy and stronger defense capabilities. By fostering trans-Atlantic partnerships while asserting its independence, Europe aims to navigate an increasingly uncertain world.
The stakes are high for both Europe and the US. As global competition intensifies, the ability to work together on issues like China's rise, Russia's aggression, and climate change will determine their collective strength. Merz's message at MSC underscores the importance of unity, trust, and proactive leadership in
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/14/2026