Friedrich Merz’s Brussels Debut: A New Era of German Leadership in Europe

In a whirlwind six-hour visit to Brussels, newly elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signaled Germany’s return to the center of European power politics. Meeting with EU leaders and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Merz delivered a clear message: Germany is ready to lead with unity and purpose.
His priorities came through loud and clear: boosting European defense, resolving trade tensions with the US, tackling irregular migration, and reviving Europe’s economy. “Problems can only be solved together,” Merz declared, earning praise from European Council President Antonio Costa, who welcomed Germany’s renewed energy as a stabilizing force in Europe.
On defense, Merz backed deeper cooperation among EU nations, focusing not just on higher military spending but on smarter joint procurement and development within NATO. He stressed America’s indispensable role in Europe’s security and expressed hope that the upcoming NATO summit would cement a shared trans-Atlantic defense strategy.
Merz also pledged full support for the European Commission’s new defense plan and hinted at relaxing strict EU fiscal rules to finance rearmament — a controversial move at home but applauded in Brussels as long overdue. Yet, selling this shift to a fiscally conservative German public will be his next big challenge.
Migration, however, looms as the real political minefield. Merz’s tough stance, including a proposed “de facto entry ban” for undocumented migrants, has already triggered alarm across Europe. Though he reassured partners that Germany will stick to EU laws, backlash from neighbors and EU leaders underscores the risk of undermining Schengen unity.
On the economic front, Merz has charted a bold course, driving Germany toward massive infrastructure and defense investments while calling for the elimination of US-EU tariffs. In his first call with US President Donald Trump, Merz pushed for zero tariffs on both sides — but made clear that any deal must include all 27 EU nations.
Merz’s diplomatic balancing act was on display as he visited both Warsaw and Paris before his Brussels debut, signaling that the era of exclusive Franco-German leadership is evolving. “Europe can’t do this alone,” Merz hinted, as he emphasized building broader alliances with both big and small EU states.
With Brussels cautiously optimistic, Friedrich Merz’s high-speed diplomacy marks a pivotal moment. Now, all eyes are on whether he can sustain this momentum — and turn bold promises into real European leadership.