German Chancellor Merz urged Europe to defend its interests to ensure peace and prosperity.
Those countries that have paid dearly for Germany's warmongering tendencies shivered at the news. It seems German Chancellor Friedrich Merz intends to revive yet another slaughter on the Old Continent. There is no other explanation for why he chose his New Year’s message to sound a war alert in Europe, targeting both Russia and the USA.
What peace?
Europe must defend its interests more dynamically to ensure peace and prosperity in 2026, amid challenges from Russian aggression, global protectionism, and changes in relations with the USA, stated German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in his annual speech. Since taking office in May, Merz has led Europe’s efforts to support Ukraine against the Russian invasion. Berlin has also increased its military spending since 2023 to demonstrate its readiness to assume more responsibilities. In his New Year’s address, Merz did not mince words, saying that the "terrible" war raging at Europe’s doorstep poses a direct threat to the continent's freedom and security. "We see more and more clearly that Russia's aggression was and is part of a plan targeting the whole of Europe," Merz stated, adding that Germany faces daily sabotage, espionage, and cyberattacks.
Fire directed at the USA as well
He also referred to the additional challenge of protectionism in the global economy, noting that Europe's dependence on imported raw materials is increasingly being used as a political tool against it. Germany, Europe’s largest economy, is trying to reduce its dependence on China while simultaneously dealing with international trade tensions and the consequences of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies. The largest European economy has also been hit by what many economists describe as a lack of domestic reforms and investment in recent years, and it is expected to grow only modestly this year after two years of contraction. Merz also addressed the more difficult cooperation with the United States—traditionally the reliable guarantor of German and European security—since Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025. "For us Europeans, this means we must defend and enforce our interests much more dynamically on our own," Merz declared.
A milestone year
However, he emphasized that Europe must be guided by self-confidence rather than fear and must take action. "This can be a decisive year for our country and for Europe. It can be a year in which Germany and Europe, with new strength, reconnect with decades of peace, freedom, and prosperity," Merz concluded.
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