Germany now needs "creative efforts," Chancellor Merz emphasized in his government statement.
Photo: Federal Government/Steffen Kugler
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz began his government statement on the upcoming European Council with a commitment to more justice. The "struggle for fair conditions" is at the center of his government actions. In the face of wars and profound changes, it is important to close both the "security gap" and the "justice gap" in Germany. Justice here means equal opportunities, merit-based justice, and intergenerational justice, and must be reflected in reforms to pensions, care, the labor market, and state modernization.
Before beginning his statement, the Federal Chancellor welcomed the new Federal Minister for Labor and Social Affairs, Alexander Schweitzer, and assured him of a cooperative relationship. At the same time, he recognized the work of his predecessor, Bärbel Bas, who had held the office "with great empathy, especially for the weak in our society." Merz thanked her for her dedication to the country and expressed the Federal Government's sympathy for her after her resignation for personal reasons.
The Federal Chancellor spoke, among other things, about...
...the future EU finances
Just before the start of the European Council, Chancellor Merz called for determined reforms and close coordination with European partners in negotiations on the next Multi-Annual Financial Framework. The talks on the future EU budget are now in the "decisive phase." Given limited financial resources, Merz called for clear prioritization. For the Federal Government, it is clear: "We must invest where the future of Europe is decided, in our security and competitiveness," said the Chancellor.
...the internal market and bureaucracy reduction
The Federal Chancellor called for a decisive reduction in bureaucracy and the completion of the European internal market to strengthen Europe's competitiveness. Investments should flow, in particular, into future technologies. He also advocated for temporarily suspending all rules that prevent investments and removing the "EU bureaucracy brake."
...international trade
According to Merz, new trade partnerships are a central building block for the Federal Government to strengthen Europe's competitiveness, reduce dependencies, and open up new markets. The Federal Chancellor referred to the strategic importance of current developments: "The geo-economic infrastructure and geopolitical order of the 21st century is likely to emerge in these months, in these years." He also called for a decisive European response to unfair trade practices and highlighted the opportunities for closer international cooperation.
...creative effort
There are positive economic developments and increasing investments. Nevertheless, Federal Chancellor Merz called for joint efforts to secure Germany's and Europe's future. Referring to Robert Schuman, he stated: "The peace of the world cannot be maintained without creative efforts that correspond to the magnitude of the threat." This "creative effort is what we all need together in our country now," said Merz, looking at reforms, the fight against extremism, and the challenges for Europe.
...security and freedom
Strengthening security and freedom in Europe is a central concern of the Federal Government, emphasized Merz. The goal is to "create a new European and trans-Atlantic peace and freedom order" and thus ensure a free and secure Europe. Federal Chancellor Merz defended the support for Ukraine and highlighted the importance of investments in defense capabilities. At the same time, he warned: "We see that Russia's willingness to escalate is increasing." Politics, according to the Federal Government, is understood as responsibility "for all people in our country" to permanently secure safety, prosperity, and state action capability.