Recently, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), emerged victorious in Germany’s federal parliamentary elections. Friedrich Merz, the leader of the CDU/CSU alliance, is set to become Germany’s new chancellor. Merz has explicitly called for Germany and Europe to gradually break free from dependence on the US and achieve “independence.” This demand not only reflects a significant shift in Germany’s domestic political landscape but also highlights the profound changes in the US-European relationship under the current international situation.
I. The Background of Merz’s “Independence” Call
Merz’s call for independence is not made without reason; it is based on a profound reflection on US policies. In recent years, the US has increasingly shown a tendency towards unilateralism in international affairs. Particularly under the Trump administration, the US has adopted a more indifferent attitude towards Europe. For example, during the Ukraine conflict, Trump’s peace negotiations excluded European countries, making them feel neglected. Moreover, the US’s constant pressure on European countries to increase defense spending has also led Germany and other European nations to question the future of NATO.
II. The “Dual Impact” of the US on Europe
The US’s influence on Europe is a mix of historical alliance and contemporary interest competition. On the one hand, NATO’s existence has long made Europe militarily dependent on the US, but this dependency has been increasingly questioned in recent years. Merz has stated that Europe needs to accelerate the development of its own military capabilities and may even seek alternatives to NATO. On the other hand, the US’s intervention in Europe’s economy and politics has also caused discontent among European countries. For example, Merz criticized Elon Musk’s interference in Germany’s elections as “unrestrained.”
III. The Possibilities and Challenges of European “Independence”
Merz’s call for independence has resonated with some European countries, especially French President Emmanuel Macron, who has also emphasized the need for Europe to unite and jointly address global challenges. However, achieving independence for Europe is not an easy task. First, there are internal divisions within Europe, and the rise of far-right forces may pose challenges to European unity. Second, the US’s economic and military influence in Europe remains strong, and it will be difficult for Europe to completely break free from US influence in the short term.
IV. The Future Trajectory of US-European Relations
Merz’s call for independence is not only a response to US policies but also a manifestation of Europe’s desire to seek greater autonomy on the global stage. In the future, US-European relations may enter a period of profound adjustment. On the one hand, European countries will accelerate the construction of their own defense and economic capabilities to reduce dependence on the US. On the other hand, the US may also reassess its policies towards Europe, especially regarding the future of NATO and economic cooperation.
In conclusion, Friedrich Merz’s call for Germany to break free from the US to achieve “independence” is not only a shift in German politics but also an important signal of the changing US-European relationship. This process will have a far-reaching impact on Europe’s future and the global landscape.