Merz Says Europeans “Not Strong Enough Yet” for Better U.S. Deal

(MENAFN) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz admitted on Tuesday that the EU-US trade agreement reached in July fell short of Germany’s and Europe’s ambitions, stating Europeans remain “not strong enough yet” to secure more favorable terms in negotiations with the United States.

At the Munich auto show, addressing German automotive industry leaders, Merz highlighted his efforts to reduce trade tensions with the Trump administration and achieve a lasting solution through solid, legally binding agreements.

“I admit that I would have preferred a different, a better outcome for us, for the Europeans, in the agreement with the United States,” Merz declared. He acknowledged Europe’s current limitations, saying, “But we are not yet strong enough in Europe to be able to decide on such issues autonomously, on an equal footing. We want to get there, and that is why we need a strong industry, but we also need competitiveness on a global scale.”

The conservative chancellor emphasized the importance of expanding the EU’s trade partnerships and called for a bold trade policy to strengthen Europe’s position in the global economy.

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