German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned on Thursday of the serious repercussions of major shifts in U.S. policy on the global order that has prevailed over the past three decades, stressing that this system is now being shaken by the emergence of a new reality based on power.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Merz said the existing global order, despite its imperfections, is facing profound disruption as a new system rooted in power dynamics takes shape. He emphasized that Europe is not at the mercy of this emerging order and still has the ability to shape its own future.
Merz urged European countries to adopt a realistic approach in light of current global developments, accelerate investment in defense industries to strengthen their ability to protect themselves, transform their economies into more competitive ones, and deepen cooperation among themselves and with international partners.
He warned that a world governed solely by power would be extremely dangerous, arguing that such a system would ultimately serve only the strongest actors at the expense of global stability.
Regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s demands related to Greenland, Merz stated that Europe and the United States face a common threat from Russia in the Arctic region, underscoring the need for joint efforts to ensure regional security.
He stressed that Europe and the United States, as allies within NATO, share responsibility for safeguarding security in the Arctic, noting that Germany is already fulfilling this role within the alliance and plans to take additional measures in the future.
Merz welcomed President Trump’s recent remarks about establishing a framework for a future agreement on Greenland and the Arctic as a whole, stressing that any use of force would be unacceptable.
On the economic front, the German chancellor warned that the imposition of U.S. tariffs would negatively affect relations with Europe, asserting that the continent would respond with a unified and firm stance. He also emphasized the importance of preserving NATO, noting that the United States has reliable partners and friends.
Trump had announced after a meeting with the NATO Secretary General that a long-term framework agreement on Greenland and the Arctic region was being prepared. Meanwhile, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen reiterated that Greenland represents a red line for Denmark and will not become U.S. territory.
Trump also announced that he would refrain from imposing tariffs on several European countries that were scheduled to take effect in early February, confirming that further talks are underway regarding security and economic arrangements related to Greenland and the Arctic region.
