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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Europe must increase its deterrence capabilities, citing changes in the partnership between the United States and Europe and growing security, economic and geopolitical challenges.
In a New Year video message, Merz said the long-standing partnership with the United States, which has served as a reliable guarantor of security, is changing.
He said this shift means Europeans must defend and protect their interests more strongly through their own capabilities.
Merz said a “terrible war” is continuing in Europe, directly threatening freedom and security.
He said the Russia-Ukraine war concerns Germany directly, adding that Russia’s attack is increasingly seen as part of a broader plan targeting all of Europe.
He said Germany is facing daily acts of sabotage, espionage, and cyberattacks.
Merz also warned that new technologies are fundamentally transforming working life and social relations across society.
Merz said Germany’s economy is under pressure due to delayed reforms, high costs and global trade conflicts.
He said protectionism is returning to the global economy and that strategic dependence on raw materials is increasingly being used as a political pressure tool against countries.
He said these geopolitical shifts are having a significant impact on prosperity, which Germany feels particularly strongly about as an export-oriented country.
Merz stressed the need for creativity and productivity but warned that delays in domestic reforms are paralyzing companies’ potential and making it increasingly difficult for them to remain competitive internationally.
Merz said Germany’s aging population is creating additional social challenges.
He stressed that Germany and Europe are capable of overcoming these difficulties on their own and are not pawns in the hands of major powers.
He said important decisions have been taken to consistently reduce irregular migration in Germany and across Europe.
Merz said authorities have regained control over who enters the country and who must leave, while creating new incentives for legal and orderly migration and closing routes for illegal and irregular migration.
He said humanity and order must be seen as inseparable principles.
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