In his first foreign policy speech to the German parliament on June 23 local time, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Germany had returned to the European and international stages. This strong message not only marks a strong shift in Berlin's foreign policy orientation, but also affirms Germany's new leadership role in the context of a volatile world.
We have proven to international partners that you can trust us, Merz said. In a statement that is considered a turning point, the center-right leader affirmed that Germany is no longer in an observation position but will proactively work with its allies to shape the global situation in the coming years.
The speech was given just hours before Mr. Merz left for the Netherlands to attend the NATO summit, followed by the EU summit in Belgium - two key events demonstrating Germany's role in the Western alliance system.
Notably, Prime Minister Merz stressed that the threat from Russia to European and Atlantic security is cksistent and threatening. He pledged that Germany would be a fair part of NATOs collective efforts, including fully meeting the capacity targets agreed upon with its allies.
We must be so strong together that no one dares to attack, he said. We are living in a historic moment, in this situation, Germany must shoulder the responsibility and we are doing it.
According to Mr. Merz, in order to play a leading role in the international arena, Germany needs to converge two key factors - strength and reliability, both domestically and internationally. This is also the guiding philosophy that the coalition government he has led consisting of conservative CDU, Bavaria CSU and the centre-left SPD has pursued since taking office.
Analysts say this statement is a message that Germany will no longer play a "calm" role like in the post-Prime Minister Angela Merkel era, but will move forward to play a more proactive role in both European security and global order.
Along with the political message, Prime Minister Merz's government also announced a new budget plan with an unprecedented commitment to large investments, implemented through record loans. This plan includes a draft budget for 2025, which has been delayed for a long time, and a financial framework until 2029.
The dual goal is to restore the stagnant German economy and enhance defense capabilities, a field that Berlin has been criticized for being indecisive. German authorities have confirmed that this is an inevitable step to affirm Germany's central role in a deeply Polar world.
