(MENAFN) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday urged the European Union to evolve into a European defense union in response to mounting global security threats.

Speaking at a business summit, Merz highlighted the need for Europe to adapt amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, shifting Euro-Atlantic relations, and China’s increasingly assertive stance. "We can no longer rely on the US to defend us, on China to supply us with raw materials, or on Russia to eventually return to the path of peace. The world is changing, and Europe must respond," he said.

“It’s a necessity to transform this European Union into a European defense union. We face international challenges that we as Europeans must address together – with the ability to defend ourselves,” Merz added.

He stressed that Germany, as the EU’s largest economy and most populous nation, must assume greater leadership within the bloc. "We bear a far greater responsibility than anyone else to assume leadership within this EU. But that remains an empty phrase if it is not filled with substance," he said.

Merz described Russia as the principal threat to Europe, citing actions that extend beyond Ukraine through daily hybrid attacks on European democracies. “This threat to Ukraine isn't just a territorial threat to a European country. It's a constant threat to our democracies, our freedoms, our way of life and work,” he said, accusing Moscow of drone incursions into European airspace and cyberattacks on businesses.

Russia has consistently denied involvement in such incidents, which have reportedly increased in frequency in recent months.

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