Mertz: We Used To Ride Hare-brained.
8- 19.07.2025, 15:37
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The German Chancellor described how Europe is becoming independent of the US.
Europe is no longer dependent on the United States for security, starting to invest seriously in its own defense. At the same time, American President Donald Trump is less committed to the continent's interests, unlike his predecessors. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said this in an interview with BBC.
"We know we have to act more independently, and before we were 'hare-brained'. They (the US) are asking us to do more - and we are indeed doing more," he said in a conversation with reporters.
In addition, Merz admitted that in the past, Europe did indeed do too little for its own defense and security. He believes that now the situation has changed.
The journalists recalled that even before he officially took office, the current German chancellor pushed for a change in the German constitution to increase defense spending.
"We are not strong enough, our army is not strong enough - that's why we spend so much money," he stressed.
Merz noted that he and Trump have met three times already, they have a good working relationship. According to him, the US president wants to end the war in Ukraine just like Europe. Nevertheless
"we see a serious threat - and it is Russia. This threat is not only directed against Ukraine. It is a threat to our peace, to our freedom and to the political order of Europe," the German chancellor added.
The journalists recalled that on the night of his election victory, Merz said that the Trump administration was "largely indifferent to the fate of Europe." The German chancellor emphasized that he has not changed his opinion.
"Trump is not as strongly committed to cooperating with Europe as previous U.S. presidents and administrations," Merz said.