German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) says the world has entered a new era of great‑power politics. Speaking at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp on Wednesday, he remarked, “We live in a geo‑economic reality, but it is even more than that. It is a new geopolitical reality. Once again, in our history we are entering an era of new great‑power politics”. He added that the key question is how Europe will respond.
Merz argued that Europe’s answer must begin with economic strength. “Only a economically strong Europe can be a sovereign Europe, and that is the reality we live in”. Consequently, he called for immediate action in three main areas: cutting bureaucracy, bolstering the internal market, and pursuing a free‑trade agenda for the continent.
In this context, the chancellor urged the EU to “deregulate every sector”. Small tweaks to laws are not sufficient. “We have to systematically review all existing EU legislation” he said.