The leader, who promised to be a “very European” chancellor, is committed to that Germany plays a “strong” and “active” role within the EU. “The challenges we face are in size and we can only take them together,” he said, evoking his trips to Paris and Warsaw in the middle of the week.
The file on which the new Chancellor is the most anticipated is undoubtedly the defense, Europe seeking to considerably build their efforts in the field, facing an increasingly uncertain American ally. Long cantor of budgetary orthodoxy, Mr. Merz has already scored points with Brussels by saying that he is favorable to a relaxation of certain European tax rules to allow the EU states to invest more in defense.
“America is crucial to Europe’s security, essential for Europe’s security,” he said. The chancellor also plunged without delay in the thorny file of customs duties, exchanging Thursday with American president Donald Trump, who, he said, invited him to Washington.
MEP. During a press conference alongside the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, the sixty -year -old recalled his past as a Eurobéputu in the early 1990s, a mandate that “marked”. “In a way, I come home in Brussels, I go home to Europe,” he said, delighted that his visit coincides with Europe day, which this year celebrates the 75th anniversary of European construction.
“This is a very important signal, because you clearly show that European policy is an absolute priority for you,” praised the head of the European executive, German like him. “It was time! “Breathe a diplomat. “We are waiting for and we need a strong Germany, who is able to hold his pilgrim’s stick,” he said, under the cover of anonymity.
It has been six months since Europeans were suspended from the twists and turns of German policy, impatient to relaunch a continent confronted with a cascade of crises. The rupture of style between Friedrich Merz and its predecessor Olaf Scholz is appreciated by many Europeans.
Olaf. At the head of Germany from 2021 to 2025, the former Social Democratic Chancellor left a bitter memory in Brussels, diplomats criticizing him his wait-and-see and a proximity deemed excessive with Washington. “A new leader is still synonymous with a new dynamic,” said Antonio Costa, the president of the European Council on Friday, which brings together the heads of state and government of the 27 member states.
The return of Germany to the front of the European scene, if confirmed, will not be without friction. Elected on a line of firmness, especially in migration matters, the new chancellor has already aroused tensions by unilaterally deciding to repress most of the asylum seekers at the borders of Germany – a gesture that has crumpled several partners.
“Immigration is a common European challenge which requires a common European solution,” said Ms. von der Leyen alongside Mr. Merz. The German Chancellor has promised not to “do not go away” on this issue: “I am a supporter of the European Single Market and the Schengen space and I want to let it know to all the heads of state and government of Europe who could fear an escalation”.
Camille CAMDESSUS
© Agence France-Presse
