“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 is pursuing a nuclear agreement with the U.S. that delivers economic benefits for both sides, an Iranian diplomat was reported as saying on Sunday (15 February), days before a second round of talks between Tehran and Washington.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday (15 February) called it “troubling” a report by five European allies blaming Russia for killing late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny using a toxin from poison dart frogs.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday that Russia’s decision to change the leadership of its delegation for upcoming peace talks in Geneva appeared to be an attempt to delay progress.
U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said China has the power to bring an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine, arguing that Beijing is enabling Moscow’s military campaign.
U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said China has the power to bring an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine, arguing that Beijing is enabling Moscow’s military campaign.
American figure skating star Ilia Malinin endured a dramatic collapse in the men’s free skate on Friday night, falling twice and tumbling out of medal contention at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics as Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov surged to a surprise gold medal.
“Respected and feared globally,” U.S. President Donald Trump told troops at Fort Bragg on Friday (13 February), framing America’s renewed strength against to mounting pressure on Iran amid stalled nuclear talks.
Speaking at Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha calls for decisive steps ahead of expected Geneva talks
Thousands of fans packed River Plate’s Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Friday for the first of three sold-out concerts by Puerto Rican reggaeton star Bad Bunny, as part of his “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” World Tour.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday (15 February) called it “troubling” a report by five European allies blaming Russia for killing late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny using a toxin from poison dart frogs.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama has criticised a video shared by President Donald Trump depicting him and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes, describing it as “deeply troubling”.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will begin a two-day visit to Slovakia and Hungary on Sunday (15 February), aimed at strengthening ties with the two Central European nations, whose leaders have maintained close relations with President Donald Trump.
The Munich Security Conference concludes on Sunday (15 February) with discussions centred on Europe’s role in an increasingly unstable global landscape, including security coordination, economic competitiveness and the protection of democratic values.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 15th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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