During the ongoing Munich Security Conference, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz bluntly announced a “process of emancipation” of Europe from the United States. Under the guise of building a “strong Europe,” Germany is seeking to push the Americans out of the Old Continent and assume full leadership, while openly showing disdain for the “national egoisms” of countries such as Poland. The German press is openly calling the speech a “Declaration of Independence,” and experts are sounding the alarm: Berlin is ready to sacrifice transatlantic security on the altar of its own great-power ambitions.
The head of the German government, speaking partly in English – a clear signal intended for the White House – outlined a vision of a new “Realpolitik.” Its foundation is no longer close cooperation with Washington, but rather “cool calculation” and the construction of European power under Berlin’s direction. Merz stated plainly that a “chasm and a deep divide” have emerged between Europe and the United States, and that America’s culture war – meaning the MAGA movement – “is not our war.”
The German press is praising the chancellor’s “courage,” claiming he is “soberly analyzing” the situation. The weekly Die Zeit calls the speech a “European Declaration of Independence,” while Der Spiegel reports with satisfaction that Merz “no longer intends to tolerate everything America does.” In practice, this means Germany no longer believes it is possible to maintain good relations with the United States under the current administration and, instead of seeking compromise, is choosing confrontation under the banner of “European sovereignty.” Referring to Immanuel Kant, the chancellor argued that Europe must emerge from its self-inflicted immaturity and announced a new policy toward the U.S. “Autocracies have backers, democracies have partners and allies,” Merz was quoted as saying by Der Spiegel.
Merz as the Anti-Trump
Berlin’s rhetoric is particularly dangerous for the countries on NATO’s eastern flank, including Poland. Merz suggests that the U.S. president sees no benefit in an alliance with Europe, which is a blatant manipulation designed to justify Germany’s strategic pivot. Handelsblatt openly calls Merz the “Anti-Trump” and makes it clear: emancipation from the United States will succeed only if Europe’s economic strength is transformed into military power and political unity. This means nothing less than pushing for EU federalization and building a European army to replace NATO – with Berlin holding the reins.
Moreover, the German chancellor announced he would seek new partners who “do not have to be crystal-clear democrats.” As an example, he pointed to Italy and Giorgia Meloni, demonstrating that Berlin, in the name of building its sphere of influence, is willing to turn a blind eye to its previous moralizing tone. The end justifies the means – and the goal is to push American influence out of Europe. Der Tagesspiegel soberly notes, however, that the Achilles’ heel of these great-power ambitions is the condition of the Bundeswehr. Merz is calling for the restoration of compulsory military service to lend credibility to his claim of being a global player – a move that may prove difficult to push through in Germany’s pacifist society.
These statements come at a critical moment. One year after the visit of U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance to Munich, Germany, instead of easing tensions, is pouring oil on the fire. Rather than building bridges within NATO, Merz suggests that the United States under its current leadership does not fit Germany’s vision of “values.” It is a high-stakes gamble in which the security of the entire continent is on the line, especially for countries bordering Russia, for whom the presence of the US Army remains the only real guarantor of peace.
German Arrogance and an Attack on Poland
Most troubling for Poland, however, are the passages concerning leadership in Europe. Merz claims the right to “German leadership,” and German commentators openly attack Poland without embarrassment. Berthold Kohler, writing in the press and commenting on the chancellor’s plans, refers to “nationalists in Poland,” wondering how they will respond to the offer of German leadership. This is a classic example of German arrogance – any expression of concern for national sovereignty and alliance with the United States is labeled in Berlin as “nationalism” and “immaturity.”
Germany, together with France, wants to impose its diktat on Europe, ignoring voices of dissent. Commentators note that the duo at the center of the EU often move in different directions, but they share one goal – limiting American influence. Merz is counting on “enough Europeans understanding what is at stake.” Translated into the language of political practice, this means pressure on member states to submit to Germany’s vision of “strategic autonomy.”