Merz Warns: Power Politics Return, Europe Must Act Now

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference (MSC), German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered a stark assessment of global politics, saying Europe has “returned to history” and must urgently adapt to an era defined by power competition and strategic rivalry.

A World Shaped by Power Politics

Merz said the post–Cold War assumption of a unipolar world no longer applies, arguing that global politics is once again dominated by major powers asserting influence through military, economic and technological strength.

He said China has methodically positioned itself to shape the international system, warning that Beijing could soon reach military parity with the United States. Merz argued that China increasingly exploits global dependencies and seeks to rewrite international rules to its own advantage.

Europe Must Wake Up

The chancellor acknowledged that while Russia’s economy is far smaller than that of the European Union, Europe has failed to translate its economic weight into strategic strength. He said Europe’s military, political and technological potential remains largely underused.

Merz stressed that freedom can no longer be taken for granted, urging Europeans to accept this new reality without surrendering to it. He said Europe still has the ability—and responsibility—to shape global outcomes, provided it is willing to act decisively and make immediate sacrifices.

Germany’s Military Ambition

Merz said Germany would move swiftly to make the Bundeswehr the strongest conventional army in Europe. He argued that Europe must strengthen itself faster than global power shifts are unfolding, warning that delay risks strategic irrelevance.

He also said European regulations should not undermine competitiveness, insisting they must encourage innovation, investment and entrepreneurship rather than constrain them.

Transatlantic Ties and a Message to Washington

While emphasizing European responsibility, Merz rejected calls to distance Europe from the United States. He said critics underestimate the enduring value of the transatlantic partnership, despite political and cultural differences.

Taking aim at U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Merz said Europe does not share America’s internal “culture wars,” stressing that freedom of speech in Germany ends where human dignity and constitutional order are threatened. He also rejected protectionism, reaffirming Europe’s commitment to free trade.

Merz said NATO remains a strategic advantage not only for Europe, but also for the United States, urging both sides to rebuild trust.

China: A Strategic Rival Reshaping the Global Order

Merz warned that China has pursued global leadership with long-term strategic patience, systematically exploiting dependencies and reshaping the international order to its own advantage. He said Beijing could soon match the United States militarily, underscoring that the era of unquestioned American dominance has ended.

Russia: Power Politics, War Fatigue and the Limits of Dialogue

The German chancellor argued that Europe has imposed unprecedented economic and political costs on Moscow but admitted the bloc has failed to translate its economic strength into real power. He said Russia must be pushed to a point where continuing the war brings no advantage, adding that talks with Moscow only make sense once Russia shows genuine willingness for a ceasefire.

“Only When Russia Is Ready for a Ceasefire”

Merz said previous unilateral attempts by European leaders to engage Moscow had failed, recalling a visit by an EU prime minister to Russia nearly two years ago that produced no results and was followed by intensified attacks on civilian infrastructure. He stressed that dialogue with Vladimir Putin would only be meaningful if Russia clearly demonstrated readiness for a ceasefire and serious peace negotiations.

He added that, in his personal assessment, the war would end only when Russia is economically and potentially militarily exhausted, noting that Moscow still has the power to stop the conflict but has chosen not to do so. According to Merz, Europe, the United States and Ukraine together still hold the leverage needed to push Russia toward that point.

Ukraine: Europe’s Test of Resolve and Freedom

Merz described the war in Ukraine as a defining struggle for Europe, warning that freedom is no longer guaranteed in an era of great-power rivalry. He said the conflict would only end when Russia is economically and militarily exhausted, stressing that Europe, the United States and Ukraine must act together to reach that point.

Nuclear Deterrence and European Unity

Merz confirmed initial discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron on European nuclear deterrence, saying any such framework would remain embedded within NATO and avoid creating different security tiers across Europe.

He stressed that Germany’s fate is inseparable from Europe’s, warning that a divided Europe would mean a divided Germany.

Broader Partnerships and EU Enlargement

Merz said Europe must deepen cooperation with partners including Canada, Japan, Türkiye, India and Brazil, as well as South Africa and Gulf states, based on mutual respect and long-term commitment.

Addressing Balkan countries seeking EU membership, he admitted Europe’s approach has been inadequate. Merz called for a new strategy, saying the region belongs to Europe and should move closer to eventual EU membership after upcoming elections.

Concluding his speech, Merz said Germany’s history proves that a world governed by brute force leads only to destruction—and insisted Europe must now choose a different path.