Friedrich Merz, the new German Chancellor, has made it clear that he wants Germany to once again become the driving force of the European Union. At his first EU summit in Brussels, Merz emphasized the need for a swift resolution to the trade dispute with the United States, which is under pressure from US President Donald Trump with a deadline of July 9. He accused the European Commission of overly complicated negotiations but hopes an agreement will be reached before the end of summer.
However, Merz rejected the idea of punitive measures against Israel or suspending the EU-Israel association agreement, despite pressure from some countries following reports of human rights violations in the Gaza Strip. The EU has called for respect for international law and restraint in the Middle East, while Iran was clearly told it must never acquire nuclear weapons.
Additionally, Merz participated in an informal meeting on tightening EU migration policy, initiated by Denmark, Italy, and the Netherlands. Migration remains one of the biggest challenges for the EU.
On the other hand, EU leaders called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, condemned the humanitarian situation, and urged Israel to lift the blockade and allow the distribution of aid. A report from the European External Action Service indicates possible violations of the human rights clause by Israel, which will be a topic for further discussions in July.
Overall, the EU stands at a crossroads between trade pressures, the migration crisis, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, while Germany under Merz’s leadership tries to regain its influence and stabilize the situation. Will it succeed or get stuck in bureaucratic labyrinths and diplomatic games? Time will tell. What do you think about these power plays? Drop a comment and let’s see who’s for and who’s against!
