BERLIN, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday said Europe must strongly assert its own interests in an increasingly volatile world during his New Year's address.
In the address, Merz characterized the current global situation as an "epochal shift," marked by geopolitical upheavals, a return to protectionism, and changing transatlantic dynamics.
"Our partnership with the United States of America, which has long been the reliable guarantor of our security, is changing," he said. "For us Europeans, this means that we must defend and assert our interests much more strongly by ourselves."
Addressing the security situation, Merz said that Germany must improve its deterrence and defense capability to ensure long-term peace.
In terms of economy, he pledged that his government, formed after the federal elections in February 2025, would focus on restoring Germany's competitiveness by cutting red tape and fostering technological innovation.
"We are not the victims of extraneous circumstances. We are not at the mercy of great powers," Merz said, stressing that 2026 can be a decisive year for Germany and Europe.
"It can be a year in which Germany and Europe, with new strength, reconnect with decades of peace, freedom and prosperity," he said. ■