Merz Turned To The U.S.: Being In Isolation Is Not An Option

• 13.02.2026, 17:14

Europeans are already doing their part to restore these ties.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on the United States to abandon isolationist ideas and cooperate with Europe in global challenges.

The chancellor said this in a speech at the Munich Security Conference.

Merz said the transatlantic partnership has lost its self-evidence, first in the United States and then in Europe. The German chancellor called on U.S. representatives to restore trust between Europe and the United States.

He noted that Europeans are already doing their part to rebuild those ties. Europe is committed to putting its differences behind it and working together over differences with Washington to establish a healthy relationship.

- Even the United States will not be powerful enough to act on its own. NATO is not only our advantage but also, dear American friends, your competitive advantage. Let us rebuild transatlantic trust together," the chancellor addressed the United States.

In his speech, Merz also criticized the MAGA ("Make America Great Again") movement, which, among other things, insists on an isolationist policy of the United States.

-"The battle of the MAGA cultures in the United States is not ours. Free speech ends where speech is against human dignity and our Basic Law. We don't believe in tariffs and protectionism, we believe in free trade," said Mertz.