Merz Calls for Europe to Speak the ‘Language of Power’ in Landmark Policy Address
BERLIN, 29 January 2026 – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered a defining government statement to the Bundestag, outlining a vision for a more assertive Europe that must embrace “hard power” to defend its interests in a shifting world order. The address balanced a call for European self-respect with a desire to maintain crucial US ties, while also confronting domestic economic challenges.
A New Assertiveness in Foreign Policy
In a speech focused squarely on Germany’s role in the world, Chancellor Merz argued that Europe had found a “joy of self-respect” in defending a rules-based international system. He stated that Europeans are “not subordinates” to the United States and must learn to stand up in the face of US dominance. “If we want to be taken seriously again, we will have to learn the language of power politics,” Merz told lawmakers, warning that Europe’s future depends on its ability to embrace hard military and economic power to remain a force for democracy.
Merz positioned the European Union as an “alternative to imperialism and autocracy,” capable of forging alliances with like-minded global partners. While calling for a stronger European pillar within NATO, he reiterated Germany’s commitment to the transatlantic alliance and its desire to maintain working ties with Washington, despite clear policy disagreements.
Confronting Trump and Economic Vulnerabilities
The Chancellor’s speech contained direct pushback against US President Donald Trump, challenging recent threats of tariffs and comments on Afghanistan. This signaled a European unwillingness to “bow to the US president’s intimidation,” as reported by financial analysts. Alongside geopolitical assertiveness, Merz turned to pressing economic concerns, warning that a weak US dollar and strong euro are creating a significant burden for Germany’s vital export sector.
This economic warning comes as the government officially lowered its 2026 growth forecast to 1%, acknowledging that a recovery is progressing slower than hoped. Merz’s administration has launched significant spending on defence and infrastructure in an attempt to revive growth after a sluggish 2025.
Key Facts from Merz’s Address
| Policy Area | Core Message |
|---|---|
| European Sovereignty | Europe must learn the “language of power politics” and cannot be a subordinate to the US. |
| Transatlantic Relations | Seeks to maintain NATO and US ties while directly challenging Trump on tariffs and foreign policy. |
| Economic Outlook | Warned a weak dollar hurts German exports; government cuts 2026 growth forecast to 1%. |
| Global Role | Positions the EU as a democratic “alternative to imperialism and autocracy.” |
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Merz mean by the “language of power politics”?
Merz argued that for Europe to be taken seriously on the global stage, it must move beyond purely diplomatic and economic tools and be willing to credibly wield hard military power and economic coercion to defend its interests and values.
Is Germany trying to distance itself from the United States?
Not entirely. While Merz strongly advocated for European strategic autonomy and pushback against US unilateralism, he simultaneously called for a stronger NATO with a European pillar and expressed a desire to maintain working ties with Washington, indicating a complex balancing act rather than a full separation.
Why is the weak dollar a problem for Germany?
Germany’s economy is heavily reliant on exports. A weak US dollar makes German goods more expensive for American buyers, potentially reducing sales. A strong euro, conversely, makes imports cheaper but hurts the competitiveness of German products abroad.