Germany’s Merz: Berlin Reclaims Its Voice in Europe

The German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has convened with leading European Union figures, vowing that Europe’s largest economy is now ready to assist in guiding the union through challenging times. Stay tuned to Farovint for more updates on news related to Germany.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz went to Brussels for discussions with leading EU and NATO officials as part of his second diplomatic journey since assuming power.

The conservative leader met with NATO chief Mark Rutte and European Union officials Ursula von der Leyen, Antonio Costa, and Roberta Metsola following visits to Paris and Warsaw on Wednesday.

Merz, who criticized his predecessor Olaf Scholz for being silent on European matters, reiterated his pledge that Germany’s “voice in Europe” would once more be acknowledged.

Here’s a summary of updates from and concerning

Germany

on Friday, May 9:

AfD legislator Krah under investigation for alleged Chinese bribes and money laundering

On Friday, prosecutors in Dresden, a city in eastern Germany, launched an inquiry into allegations against Maximilian Krah, a far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) politician. The investigation aims to determine if Krah received bribes from China and if he has committed acts of money laundering.

The allegations against Krah relate to his tenure as a member of the European Parliament. Following several controversies in Brussels—such as ongoing inquiries into accusations of receiving Russian bribes—he was ousted from his position and is currently serving as an AfD representative in the Berlin parliament.

The prosecutors have asked for his immunity from prosecution to be removed. At present, they aim to establish “whether there is adequate reason to file charges or if the legal proceedings should be terminated.”

Krah asserts that these recent allegations, similar to previous ones, are “driven by political motives.”

New German FM asserts accord with Poland regarding border inspections

Even though Poland has voiced concerns about Germany’s present immigration and border control measures, the new Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, stated on Friday, “During my discussions in Warsaw, I didn’t sense significant unease; instead, there was considerable consensus.”

Wadephul, commenting on the margins of Friday’s EU foreign ministers’ summit in

Lviv, Ukraine

“We each face a migration issue in Europe. It’s something we need to address collectively,” he stated.

The newly appointed German foreign minister expressed backing for Polish President Donald Tusk’s demands for enhanced outer boundaries for the union, particularly due to ongoing provocations originating from Belarus. He stated that both he and Poland’s Foreign Minister, Radosław Sikorski, plan to visit the Polish-Belarus frontier to evaluate the circumstances firsthand.

Regarding Belarus deliberately transporting migrants to the border with the intention of letting them enter the European Union, Wadephul stated: “It is essential for us to discover collective solutions to this issue. This remains at the core of our policymaking.”

Merz expresses optimism regarding NATO but has reservations about Ukraine joining anytime soon.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expresses greater optimism regarding the future of the NATO alliance compared to his stance three months prior, when he had doubts about its continuation due to the approach of the US administration led by President Donald Trump.

“What has changed is the acceptance of what we, as European NATO partners, are doing,” Merz told a joint Brussels news conference with NATO chief Mark Rutte.

“I now view the upcoming NATO summit in June with greater optimism compared to my feelings in February — particularly because I believe we will manage to create a unified approach alongside the Americans,” he stated, alluding to the NATO conference scheduled for next month in the Netherlands.

Merz stated that he did not anticipate Ukraine becoming part of NATO anytime soon, during his inaugural visit to Brussels since assuming office.

After

Russia’s comprehensive attack on Ukraine

, Kyiv submitted an application for EU membership and called upon its NATO allies to extend an invitation for it to become a member.

While NATO agreed last year to admit Ukraine in the future without setting a date, the US administration under Donald Trump has since ruled out such a move. NATO allies must unanimously agree on admitting new members.

Merz stated that Ukraine will not become part of NATO unless it has first joined the EU, an achievement which many specialists believe cannot occur before around 2030.

Merz talks to Netanyahu via telephone

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke over the phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just three days into his term, addressing recent events in the Gaza Strip.

“The chancellor vehemently denounced the horrific terrorist assault carried out by [Palestinian Islamist organization] Hamas on October 7. He voiced deep worry over the wellbeing of the captives and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza,” stated government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius.

Merz conveyed optimism that talks aimed at initiating a ceasefire would commence shortly, the spokesperson noted.

The leader of Germany’s newly formed alliance between conservative and Social Democratic parties, mentioned planned trips to commemorate sixty years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between Germany and Israel.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog will arrive in Berlin on Sunday with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier set to join him on his return to Israel on Tuesday.

The establishment of diplomatic ties between these nations occurred on May 12, 1965, which was roughly twenty years following the conclusion of World War II.

Germany’s newly appointed energy minister advocates for an increase in natural gas-powered plants.

Germany’s newly appointed economics minister, Katherina Reijke, has emphasized the urgency of building extra natural-gas-powered stations quickly to strengthen the nation’s energy security during times when green power sources cannot meet demand.

“We need flexible gas-fired power plants that can supply electricity when the wind isn’t blowing and the sun isn’t shining. And we need them quickly,” Reiche told the Ludwig Erhard Summit in Tegernsee, a Bavarian lake resort.

She stressed the importance of “swiftly proceeding with tenders for at least 20 gigawatts of natural gas-powered plants to ensure energy security.”

Reiche, who belongs to Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative Christian Democratic Union party, pointed out a recent electricity blackout in the Iberian Peninsula. She emphasized how this event has underlined the vital function of natural-gas-powered stations in maintaining energy stability.

Reiche contended that both “long-term gas supply agreements” and a “sober assessment of the energy transformation” are crucial for making the strategy effective.

Merz states that Germany has returned to the European Union scene with a strong voice.

Friedrich Merz, the newly appointed German Chancellor, emphasized that Berlin intends to reclaim its prominent position at the forefront of European politics. He aims to lead the union through these challenging times during his first official trip to Brussels.

Following consecutive visits to neighboring cities in Paris and Warsaw, Merz aimed to move past months of political upheaval in Germany that had rendered Berlin ineffective in taking decisive action on the European Union front.

“Germany must assume a robust and proactive position within the European Union, and the German government will indeed fulfill this role,” he stated at a press briefing with EU President Ursula von der Leyen.

“To some extent, I am returning to Brussels and back to Europe,” stated the 69-year-old German conservative chief, who began his career as an EU parliamentarian around thirty years ago.

Merz, who has long been critical of his predecessor Olaf Scholz, has said he aims to end Germany’s “speechlessness” on European policy, particularly since the collapse of his so-called traffic light coalition last November.

The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, urged EU countries to collaborate on addressing migration issues during her meeting with Germany’s newly appointed Chancellor, Friedrich Merz. His administration has been implementing policies aimed at denying entry to individuals seeking asylum at their borders.

“Migration is a shared European issue that requires a unified European response,” stated the EU Commission president at a press briefing with Merz.

Elected with a promise to tighten restrictions on immigration, conservative Merz took one of his initial official actions as part of his new role to unilaterally refuse entry to undocumented migrants and asylum seekers at Germany’s borders. This action caused significant dissatisfaction among certain member states, particularly Poland.

von der Leyen emphasized that measures “must be time-bound” and “coordinated closely” with the Commission and nearby nations.

The German initiative played a key role in Merz’s approach to regain lost ground from the anti-immigrant, far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD), which came in second place during February’s national elections.

Merz mentioned that he informed French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk beforehand regarding the “interim” steps.

In Brussels, addressing reporters alongside von der Leyen, Merz aimed to assure his counterparts that “Germany does not intend to act alone,” and he pledged to continue operating “within the framework of European law.”

Law enforcement closed down a cryptocurrency site due to alleged money-laundering activities.

German police have closed down a significant online cryptocurrency exchange platform, confiscating approximately €34 million ($38 million) worth of assets.

On Friday, the Frankfurt Public Prosecution Office along with the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) announced that they had shut down and confiscated the German server infrastructure associated with thecrypto swapping service known as “eXch.”

The police stated that the individuals behind the platform are accused of engaging in commercial money laundering activities and operating an illegal online trading site.

The confiscated assets included various cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin, and Dash, making this seizure the third-biggest collection of digital currency in the BKA’s records.

Since 2014, the platform has allowed users to trade cryptocurrencies without implementing any anti-money laundering measures. In April, law enforcement shut down the servers.

Merz states that Europe supports the suggested US-Ukraine ceasefire proposal.

Europe supports President Donald Trump’s suggestion of a 30-day truce in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The European Union stands prepared to intensify sanctions should Moscow decline to participate in meaningful peace negotiations, according to statements made by Germany’s newly appointed chancellor on Friday.

Following his discussion with Trump on Thursday, Merz stated that he felt “moderately” assured that the United States would step up the pressure on Russia, paving the way for substantial talks to commence over the upcoming weekend.

During his initial visit to Brussels after assuming office, Chancellor Friedrich Merz underscored ongoing Western backing for Ukraine and expressed willingness to increase this support as necessary.

Merz stated, ‘We urge Russia finally to embark on the journey toward genuine peace talks.’ He added, ‘Should this not occur, we will not shy away from escalating sanction pressures alongside our European allies and the United States.’

In the meantime, Merz restated Germany’s stance against creating shared European Union debt to finance defense initiatives.

To stay updated with the recent events of Russia’s conflict in Ukraine, read Farovint’s Friday blog.

Germany’s Commerzbank reports increased profits amid thwarted Italian acquisition attempt.

Commerzbank, the German banking giant, has reported its highest quarterly profits since 2011, shortly before an important shareholders’ meeting where they aim to prevent a possible acquisition by Italy’s UniCredit.

The net profit for the first quarter surged by 12% to reach €834 million ($936 million), surpassing analysts’ predictions of a minor decline.

CEO Bettina Orlopp stated this demonstrates the bank’s ability to expand even under challenging circumstances.

Revenue increased by almost 12% to reach €3.1 billion, primarily due to higher than anticipated interest and commission incomes. Despite having gradually acquired a significant share of Commerzbank, UniCredit is often perceived as aiming for complete control—a notion that Berlin strongly opposes.

Merz aims to break Germany’s ‘tongue-tie’ in Brussels

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is currently undertaking the second phase of his introductory foreign visit, which includes a journey to Brussels where he will meet with leaders from both the European Union and NATO.

Merz, who has consistently criticized his predecessor Olaf Scholz, has stated that his objective is to put an end to Germany’s “inability to speak” about European policy issues.

The newly appointed chancellor intends to hold meetings with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte as well as the three key European Union officials: Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Council President Antonio Costa, and Parliament President Roberta Metsola.

Merz finished his initial official trips to Paris and Warsaw on Wednesday.

During the signing of the coalition agreement between the conservative CDU-CSU and the SPD, the head of the CDU stated that both he and his administration were committed to making sure Germany’s “voice is heard once more in Europe and across the globe.”

“Significant portions of Europe, especially the European Union, are anticipating our renewed efforts to substantially contribute to the success of the European project,” Merz stated.

As an opposition leader, conservative Merz charged his center-left predecessor with being passive regarding European policy.

Working closely with neighboring countries like France and Poland, his aim is to bolster European sovereignty as a response to the change in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump.

Scholz’s “traffic light” alliance faced continuous criticism regarding the delay in taking a stance on crucial initiatives like overhauling Europe’s asylum policies.

The climax occurred when the members of the coalition – namely the SPD, Greens, and FDP – were unable to adopt a united stance on the EU Supply Chain Act, ultimately choosing to abstain during the EU-wide voting process.

Welcome to our coverage

The newly elected German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, is concluding the second phase of his inaugural visit on Friday.

following events in Paris and Warsaw on Wednesday

This time, he will head to Brussels.

There he meets EU Council President Antonio Costa, followed by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and lastly NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

The main subjects likely to be addressed encompass enhancing the competitive edge of both German and European industries, reinforcing defense policies, and providing support to Ukraine.

This blog will keep you informed about everything occurring in Germany and its recently elected administration.