German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday called on the United States and European countries to “repair and revive transatlantic trust together,” highlighting growing strains in the historic alliance between Western powers, according to media reports.
Speaking at the 62nd Munich Security Conference in Munich, Merz described a “deep divide” between the U.S. and Europe and said renewed cooperation was essential in a world of intensifying geopolitical competition.
Merz’s remarks underscored concerns among European leaders that recent U.S. policy positions have strained relations with traditional allies. European officials have expressed unease over issues including defence commitments, trade disputes and differing strategic priorities, pushing some to advocate a stronger and more autonomous European security role.
“At a time of great-power rivalry, even the United States will not be powerful enough to go it alone,” Merz said, asserting that cooperation within NATO remains mutually beneficial for both Europe and the U.S.
He also stressed that Europe must bolster its own defence capabilities while reaffirming the value of the transatlantic relationship. Recent discussions between Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron about a potential European nuclear deterrent reflect efforts to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy while maintaining alliance unity.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the conference and echoed the need for continued cooperation, saying the U.S. and European partners are “very tightly linked together” and must rethink their roles in a changing geopolitical environment.
The call for revitalised ties comes amid broader debates at the security forum about the future of the post-Cold War international order and how Western allies should respond collectively to rising global challenges.