At the informal European Council meeting on Thursday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for abandoning his plans to annex Greenland and for choosing not to impose additional tariffs on February 1.

Merz said the outcome reflects joint efforts by Europe and the United States to find a way forward in difficult times, adding that European unity and determination can indeed make a difference.

He voiced strong support for NATO, stressing that the transatlantic alliance cannot simply be let go after more than 75 years of building it. Merz described it as the most successful political partnership between Europe and the U.S., noting that it is more than a military alliance. However, he agreed with Trump that Europeans should do more to contribute to defense.