Who is Friedrich Merz and what is his current role?

Friedrich Merz is the German Chancellor who spoke at the Munich Security Conference about repairing trans-Atlantic trust.

What specific concerns did Merz raise about the US-Europe relationship?

Merz warned of a 'deep rift' between the US and Europe in an era of great power rivalry, stating that even the US cannot go it alone and that NATO provides a competitive advantage.

What did the US State Department say about Germany's support for Ukraine?

The US State Department noted that Secretary Marco Rubio met Merz and expressed appreciation for Germany's more than $76 billion in assistance to Ukraine since 2022.

What are Merz's talks with Macron about regarding nuclear deterrence?

Merz has started private talks with French President Emmanuel Macron about 'European nuclear deterrence,' ensuring any new policy complies with Germany's 1990 reunification legal commitments.

How does NATO's nuclear sharing arrangement relate to this discussion?

NATO's nuclear sharing allows non-nuclear states like Germany to participate in nuclear deterrence under US, UK, and French umbrellas, preventing proliferation while maintaining a credible deterrent in Europe.

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10d ago

Merz Urges Repair Of Trans‑Atlantic Trust With U.S.

At the Munich Security Conference, Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned of a 'deep rift' and urged the U.S. and Europe to rebuild trust while leaders discuss NATO, Ukraine aid and nuclear deterrence.

Overview

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told the Munich Security Conference that Europe and the United States must "repair and revive trans-Atlantic trust together," warning a "deep rift" has opened between them.

Merz said in an "era of great power rivalry" that even the United States "will not be powerful enough to go it alone" and called NATO a competitive advantage for both sides.

The U.S. State Department confirmed Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Merz in Munich and said they discussed securing supply chains, advancing efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war and strengthening U.S.-Europe partnership.

A State Department spokesperson said the Secretary expressed appreciation for Germany's more than $76 billion in assistance for Ukraine since 2022.

Merz said he has started private talks with French President Emmanuel Macron about "European nuclear deterrence" and reiterated any new policy would comply with Germany's 1990 reunification legal commitments.

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Germany's Merz calls on U.S. and Europe to 'repair and revive trans-Atlantic trust together'

PBS NewsHour•10d ago

US and Europe must ‘repair and revive transatlantic ties’: Germany’s Merz

Al Jazeera•11d ago

Germany Issues Warning to United States Amid 'Deep Rift'

TIME Magazine•10d ago

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: Friedrich Merz is the German Chancellor who spoke at the Munich Security Conference about repairing trans-Atlantic trust.
Sources:
Policy Magazine
: Merz warned of a 'deep rift' between the US and Europe in an era of great power rivalry, stating that even the US cannot go it alone and that NATO provides a competitive advantage.
Sources:
Munich Security Conference
: The US State Department noted that Secretary Marco Rubio met Merz and expressed appreciation for Germany's more than $76 billion in assistance to Ukraine since 2022.
Sources:
Council on Foreign Relations
: Merz has started private talks with French President Emmanuel Macron about 'European nuclear deterrence,' ensuring any new policy complies with Germany's 1990 reunification legal commitments.
Sources:
Old Dominion University NATO Nuclear Deterrence PDF
: NATO's nuclear sharing allows non-nuclear states like Germany to participate in nuclear deterrence under US, UK, and French umbrellas, preventing proliferation while maintaining a credible deterrent in Europe.
Sources:
Policy Magazine

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