A united Europe as a guarantee for the future

In his policy statement to the European Council, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged the European-Commission to make widespread reductions in the regulations. The Commission must clarify where laws could be simplified and where overregulation could be abolished entirely. Competitiveness will be the central theme of the Brussels summit. At the same time, the Chancellor called for more speed in EU-free trade agreements.

When it comes to foreign policy, the pressure on Russia must remain high - in order to get a just peace for Ukraine. Federal Chancellor Merz insisted on European participation in possible peace negotiations. Merz rejected Germany's military involvement in the US and Israeli operations against Iran. However, Germany would not close itself off to a "debate about free shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, for example, once the war has ended".

The Federal Chancellor spoke about issues including …

... on Europe as a guarantor of the future

Germany stands in a world increasingly characterised by great powers, in which external players are restricting the scope for action. Under these conditions, "a united Europe is the most important guarantee" for our own future, said the Federal Chancellor. Only together would EU-States have the necessary power potential to safeguard rules, fairness and stability worldwide. Merz warned that Europe must define its interests more clearly and "stop selling itself short".

... on competition, trade and cutting red tape in Europe

For Chancellor Merz, Europe's competitiveness is the focus of the upcoming EUCouncil. The aim is to push forward an "ambitious European competitiveness agenda". The plan is to strengthen the single market, for example through standardised company law, a capital market union and a systematic reduction in bureaucracy. The Federal Government is also focusing on a more active trade policy to strengthen Europe's strategic independence - with new free trade agreements, closer partnerships and more stable economic relations.

... on peace in Ukraine

The US and Europe must "join forces" to work towards a just peace in Ukraine, the Federal Chancellor demanded. He reminded the audience that Ukraine was prepared to negotiate, while Russia was systematically undermining peace efforts and continuing to attack civilian infrastructure. Pressure on Moscow must therefore be increased, for example through a 20th EU-sanctions package and the disbursement of the agreed 90-billion-euro- loan to Ukraine. Merz criticised the blockade of an EU-member state. Europe must be involved in future peace negotiations.

... on the Iran-Middle East conflict

"For years and decades" Iran has "covered the world with terror", said the Chancellor. Germany shares Israel and the USA's goal that Iran should no longer pose a threat in future. At the same time, Merz criticised the fact that there is "still no credible concept" for the current military operation. As long as the war continues, Germany will not take part in it, the Chancellor declared. "This does not specifically rule out the possibility of using diplomatic means to bring the war to a rapid end," said Merz. Europe has a strong interest in this; an escalation or collapse of the Iranian state would have massive consequences for security, energy supply and migration.

... on freedom and room for manoeuvre

Federal Chancellor Merz reminded the audience how important peace, freedom and democracy are today. Many people have the feeling that room for manoeuvre is being lost - due to geopolitical upheaval, a backlog of reforms, rising costs, economic stagnation and too much bureaucracy. The Federal Government wants to regain these freedoms, not for the State, but for its citizens and companies. To this end, it is focusing on international partnerships, economic reforms, digitalisation, modernisation of social systems, and measures to strengthen security.

... on the actions of the Federal Government

With regard to developments on the energy markets, Germany intervenes where it has national room for manoeuvre - for example by releasing oil reserves and exercising greater control over petrol station prices. The Chancellor also referred to the Federal Government's renewal programme, which has initiated a reduction in bureaucracy, state modernisation, a high-tech-agenda and a turnaround in its migration policy. He also emphasised that, for the first time in years, Germany had recorded a positive investment balance, although what matters now is "our will to shape the future" and fundamental reforms. The Federal Government wants to use "strength and creativity" to ensure that Germany and Europe emerge stronger from this time of upheaval.

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