German leader says US strategy shows the need for more European security independence

German Chancellor Calls for European Security Independence Following Trump’s Strategy Document

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared on Tuesday that the Trump administration’s newly released national security strategy reinforces Europe’s need to become “much more independent” from the United States in security matters.

Speaking to reporters in Mainz, Merz pushed back against portions of the U.S. document that suggest European democracy requires American intervention. “That the Americans want to save democracy in Europe now, I don’t see any need for that,” Merz stated firmly. “If it needed to be saved, we would manage that alone.”

The U.S. strategy, published last Friday, portrays European allies as weak while offering implicit support to far-right political movements across the continent. It also criticizes European approaches to free speech and migration policy, prompting immediate backlash from European leaders.

European Council President António Costa had already rebuked Washington on Monday, warning against interference in European domestic politics and emphasizing that only European citizens should determine which parties govern them.

Merz, who leads Europe’s most populous nation and its largest economy, indicated he wasn’t surprised by the document’s content, noting it aligned with positions previously articulated by U.S. Vice President JD Vance during a February address in Munich.

“Parts of the document are understandable, but some of it is unacceptable for us from the European point of view,” Merz explained. He added that the document “confirms my assessment that we in Europe, and so also in Germany, must become much more independent from the U.S. in terms of security policy.”

The chancellor credited Vance’s earlier speech with spurring action on German defense spending. Since taking office in May, Merz’s government has moved to loosen strict fiscal rules on debt to accommodate higher military expenditures. This builds upon Germany’s broader military reinforcement efforts that began following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The transatlantic friction comes at a critical juncture for NATO. Under pressure from President Donald Trump, alliance members including Germany agreed in June to a substantial increase in NATO’s defense spending targets. Trump has consistently criticized European allies, particularly Germany, for not meeting previous defense spending commitments.

Germany’s shift toward greater military self-sufficiency represents a significant departure from its post-World War II security posture, which has heavily relied on American guarantees. The country’s defense industry, including companies like Rheinmetall and Hensoldt, stands to benefit from increased domestic military investment.

Merz struck a diplomatic tone while asserting European independence, suggesting a path for continued cooperation. “In my talks with the Americans, I say: ‘America first is fine,’ but ‘America alone’ can’t be in your interest. You need partners in the world too,” he said. “And one of the partners can be Europe. And if you can’t do anything with Europe, then at least make Germany your partner.”

The chancellor’s comments reflect growing European concerns about reliable security partnerships as geopolitical tensions rise with Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and increasing uncertainty about America’s commitment to European defense.

Analysts note that European nations face significant challenges in achieving true security independence, including fragmented defense industries, relatively limited military capabilities compared to global powers, and differing strategic priorities among EU member states.

Despite these obstacles, Merz’s statement signals Germany’s determination to pursue a more self-reliant defense strategy while maintaining its position as a key NATO member and transatlantic ally.