“For some weeks now, we have been seeing with increasing clarity the emergence of a world of great powers,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Thursday (29 January), declaring that Europe had found “self-respect” in standing up for a rules-based global order.
Speaking to the German parliament, Merz called for a stronger NATO role within Europe while stressing continued cooperation with the United States. He said Europe would no longer be intimidated by tariff threats, following a recent standoff with U.S. President Donald Trump over Greenland.
“In recent weeks, we have been able to experience something of the joy of self-respect,” Merz said, adding that rules-based action and rules-based trade were not dead. “More and more countries around the world are recognising that the current global reorganisation also presents an opportunity for those who prefer rules to arbitrariness.”
Merz’s remarks come a week after tensions with Washington peaked over Greenland, raising fears of a rupture within NATO, the alliance that has underpinned Western security since the end of World War Two.
Trump had previously floated the threat of using tariffs in the dispute before backing away.
The German leader said the European Union had shown unity in resisting economic pressure. “Last week, we demonstrated that we in the EU can act swiftly when necessary. We were united in our determination not to be intimidated by tariff threats again,” he said.
His comments echoed those of French President Emmanuel Macron, who recently warned Europe would not yield to “bullies,” and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who has called for greater European strategic independence.
Merz also pointed to EU trade agreements with South American bloc Mercosur and with India as evidence of Europe pushing ahead with free and fair trade, while urging the bloc to accelerate reforms and reduce excessive regulation.
In a separate dispute following the Greenland row, Merz pushed back against Trump’s remarks suggesting European forces avoided frontline combat in Afghanistan.
“Fifty-nine German soldiers lost their lives during the almost 20-year deployment in Afghanistan,” Merz said. “We will not allow this deployment to be denigrated or belittled.”
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Iran and the U.S. have concluded indirect talks in Doha without a major breakthrough, with discussions focused on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and frozen Iranian funds. Both sides are expected to meet again after the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
A breakaway Catholic group dedicated to preserving the traditional Latin Mass has ordained four new bishops in Switzerland, despite a direct appeal from Pope Leo XIV to halt the ceremony.
Microsoft is expected to announce a new round of job cuts as early as next week as the technology giant looks to reduce costs, according to reports.
The European Union will provide up to €200 million in grant funding to improve transport, energy and digital links across the South Caucasus, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced during a visit to Baku on Wednesday.
A Russian couple climbed to the top of the Empire State Building and unfurled a banner urging world peace before, in an apparent elaborate marriage proposal that ended with their arrests.
Iranian and U.S. negotiating teams were due in Doha this week, but Iran said on Monday no meeting had been scheduled as weekend missile fire from both sides tested the interim ceasefire to end the four-month-old war.
Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran mediated by Qatar in Doha have concluded, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi has said.
Mexico ended their 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout win, while Erling Haaland sent Norway through and Kylian Mbappé fired France into the last 16.
Iran and the U.S. have concluded indirect talks in Doha without a major breakthrough, with discussions focused on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and frozen Iranian funds. Both sides are expected to meet again after the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
A breakaway Catholic group dedicated to preserving the traditional Latin Mass has ordained four new bishops in Switzerland, despite a direct appeal from Pope Leo XIV to halt the ceremony.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 2nd of July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A Russian couple climbed to the top of the Empire State Building and unfurled a banner urging world peace before, in an apparent elaborate marriage proposal that ended with their arrests.
A California man has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and its Chief Executive, Sam Altman, alleging that conversations with the company's ChatGPT chatbot worsened his bipolar disorder and contributed to a suicide attempt.
The United States has designated the Ecuadorian criminal group Chone Killers as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), imposing sanctions on a gang Washington says is responsible for attacks on civilians, police officers and public officials.
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