“We are not a pawn in the hands of major powers”

Before the start of the European Council on 18 and 19 December in Brussels, in his policy statement Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for Germany and the European Union to assume a key role in the changing world order. "We must not stand by and watch as the world is reorganised", he stated, at the same time emphasising: "We are not a pawn in the hands of major powers."

With a view to the challenges ahead, Federal Chancellor Merz expressed confidence that these can be mastered independently. "We want and need to remain an active player that stands up for its interests and values with determination and assertiveness." In conclusion, the Federal Chancellor emphasised: "This is something we can achieve."

Read the policy statement in full here (only german).

The Federal Chancellor spoke about issues including …

... Freedom in Europe

Federal Chancellor Merz thanked the millions of fighters in Ukraine for their commitment not only to the freedom of their own country, but also to freedom more generally. "They are also fighting for our freedom in Europe", said Merz in the Bundestag.

... Germany's role

In view of the far-reaching global changes, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke of a decisive milestone for Germany. He made it clear: "We are determined that Germany must not become the victim. It must not become the object of these processes. We are not a pawn in the hands of major powers. We want and need to remain an active player. This is something we can achieve."

The aim, he said, was to preserve Germany's own ability to act and secure its sovereignty against external influences. At the same time, the Federal Chancellor issued a reminder that responsibility for its future course lay within the country. It was, Merz said, "up to us" how Germany emerged from this historic "epochal shift".

... Federal Government achievements

In his policy statement, Federal Chancellor Merz emphasised that Germany had regained its place on the international stage - not least by strengthening its own defence capabilities. "We have to be strong enough ourselves so that nobody attacks us. In other words: we must be able to offer a credible deterrent. This is the case when democracies are better armed than autocracies. This is what it comes down to."

Merz also referred to measures to support the economy. He cited the industrial electricity price as an example, the effect of which he said would be clearly noticeable in the coming year. The Federal Chancellor said that refugee policies had also been subjected to a "course correction".

... Results of the Berlin Conference

For the Federal Government, security and stability in Ukraine are also a guarantee of freedom and sovereignty in Europe. Federal Chancellor Merz praised the negotiations between the international partners over the past few days: "You can't get any more diplomatic", said the Federal Chancellor when reflecting on the event. At the same time, he sharply criticised Russia's ruler Putin for his continued attacks and his rejection of a ceasefire over Christmas.

Federal Chancellor Merz summarised the agreements reached at the Berlin Conference in three clear messages: lasting peace cannot and will not be achieved at the expense of Ukraine's or Europe's security. In addition, Ukraine should not be forced to unilaterally cede territory. Ultimately, he said, the country must maintain its own strong armed forces and be able to rely on security guarantees from its Western partners. The price of peace also includes "Germany contributing to security guarantees for the future Ukraine after a ceasefire within the circle of allies", said Merz.

... Utilisation of frozen assets

Federal Chancellor Merz explained that the use of frozen Russian funds could finance the Ukrainian armed forces "for at least another two years". At the same time, he rejected accusations that the measure would merely serve to prolong the war. The Federal Chancellor emphasised that the decision was not being made "to prolong the war, but to end it as quickly as possible". The EU Commission's proposal was, he said, "fully in line with international law and international obligations".

It was not enough, said Merz, to dry up the Russian war machine's sources of income with sanctions alone, to continue to support Ukraine financially and to "throw all our political weight behind the peace negotiations". He said that while this was being done, "it is obvious that the pressure on Putin must increase even further to persuade him to enter into serious negotiations". In conclusion, the Federal Chancellor emphasised: "This is exactly why we need the decision from the European heads of state and government. And I will personally campaign for such a decision in Brussels from this evening."

... MERCOSUR (Mercado Común del Sur) agreement

Shortly before the start of the European Council in Brussels, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz made a strong plea in favour of the planned free trade agreement with the four MERCOSUR states. "The European Union's ability to act is also measured by whether we are finally able to finalise this trade agreement after 26 years of negotiations." Merz emphasised that "we are strengthening the European single market with this agreement". He rejected criticism of the project: anyone who "nitpicks" about major agreements in the current situation does not understand the real priorities, he said.

... Future of the EU

Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasised that the European Union needed to use its financial resources in a more targeted manner in future in order to meet the challenges of our time. He warned against getting stuck in old patterns, saying: "We can't carry on as before. We must establish Europe's defence capability and enable the competitiveness of our economy."

With these words, the Federal Chancellor stressed that it was not just a question of adapting existing structures, but of a fundamental change in European policy. The EU, he said, needed to strengthen its independence in terms of security policy and at the same time promote the economic dynamism of its Member States. According to Merz, a historic opportunity is now opening up: the Union could consolidate its role as a geopolitical player and at the same time create the basis for sustainable prosperity.

... Situation in the Middle East

The Federal Chancellor expressly welcomed the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip brokered by US President Donald Trump. This step, he said, was an important signal for the possibility of lasting peace in the region. At the same time, Merz emphasised that it is now crucial to successfully implement the second phase of the peace plan. Only if the agreed political and humanitarian measures were consistently pursued could the current ceasefire become a lasting prospect of peace and stability.

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