German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated today, Thursday, that the goal of a rules-based global system is still alive, calling for a stronger NATO presence within Europe while continuing cooperation with the United States.
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Speaking to the German Parliament, Merz added that Europe will no longer yield to tariff threats, following President Donald Trump’s retreat from using tariffs as leverage to acquire Greenland, according to Reuters.
Merz said: “European leaders are encouraged to project strength and uphold European values, especially after the confrontation with Trump over Greenland and nearly four years of the war between Russia and Ukraine.”
He also noted: “In recent weeks, we have increasingly witnessed a world dominated by great powers. Strong winds are blowing in this world, and we will feel their effects in the foreseeable future.”
Merz emphasized that rule-based cooperation and trade have not died, adding: “More and more countries around the world recognize that the current global reorganization also represents an opportunity for all actors who prefer rules over arbitrariness and see greater benefits in free and fair trade than in pursuing unilateral self-interest alone.”
Earlier, President Trump had threatened to impose increasing tariffs on European allies unless the United States was allowed to purchase Greenland, escalating the dispute over the future of the vast Arctic island under Denmark’s jurisdiction.
Trump had posted on Truth Social that a 10% tariff would take effect on 1 February on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland.
