German Chancellor Merz Urges US to Renew Transatlantic Trust, Calls NATO a Critical ‘Competitive Advantage’
MUNICH – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered a stark message to Washington on Friday, warning that in an era of intensifying global competition, even a superpower like the United States cannot afford the risks of isolationism. Speaking at the opening of the Munich Security Conference, Merz framed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) not as a financial burden on American resources, but as a strategic asset vital to maintaining US global hegemony.
Addressing a delegation that included high-ranking US officials, the Chancellor challenged the skepticism regarding the alliance’s return on investment that has gained traction in recent years. Merz argued that the geopolitical landscape has shifted away from the post-Cold War order into a new phase of “great power rivalry,” necessitating a re-evaluation of how the West projects power.
“Even the United States will not be powerful enough to go it alone,” Merz stated, emphasizing the limits of unilateral action in the face of rising global competitors. He pivoted the traditional narrative—often focused on Europe’s reliance on American protection—by positioning the alliance as a distinct force multiplier for Washington. “NATO is not just our advantage, but also, dear American friends, your competitive advantage,” he declared.
The use of the term “competitive advantage” marks a notable shift in Berlin’s diplomatic rhetoric. Rather than appealing solely to shared democratic values or historical bonds, Merz appears to be tailoring his message to resonate with a more transactional US foreign policy doctrine. By defining the alliance as a tool for competitiveness, the Chancellor underscored that the network of allies provides the United States with global leverage that rivals such as China and Russia lack.
The speech also served as an olive branch following periods of diplomatic friction over trade policies and defense spending. Merz explicitly invited the US administration to “repair the transatlantic trust together,” acknowledging that the relationship requires active maintenance and mutual respect to function effectively.
Analysts at the summit noted that Merz’s comments reflect a broader European strategy to “future-proof” the transatlantic bridge. By illustrating that European stability and NATO interoperability are essential components of American strength, Berlin hopes to secure a long-term commitment from the White House that transcends shifting political tides.
The Chancellor’s address set the tone for the remainder of the security conference, where discussions are expected to focus on strengthening the European pillar of NATO to ensure the alliance remains a robust platform for collective defense and shared prosperity.
* ahram.org.eg
* euractiv.com
* washingtonpost.com
* richmond-news.com
* theguardian.com
