The war that erupted over the weekend in the Middle East will take a central place on Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s U.S. agenda, said Government Spokesman Stefan Kornelius on Monday. He added that Germany will also address the situation in Ukraine and its economic and trade relations. “We can’t ignore commercial issues” Kornelius noted, referring to unresolved matters stemming from the U.S. Supreme Court’s tariff ruling.
He reminded that the conflict in Ukraine has, in his view, continued to be Europe’s greatest security challenge and threat, and that Germany has already taken a leading role in supporting Ukraine. The Chancellor will exercise his right to demand that U.S. mediation efforts in this conflict continue and be accompanied. Kornelius expressed confidence that the scheduled meeting on Tuesday between Merz and President Donald Trump will go ahead as planned.