German Chancellor Acknowledges Europe's Past Defense Reliance on US

Friedrich Merz admits European nations previously underinvested in defense while benefiting from US protection, but insists current efforts demonstrate stronger transatlantic cooperation.

By Lubowa Babu Hussein

July 18, 2025 at 10:41 AM

2,372 views

Key Takeaways

German Chancellor Merz acknowledged Europe's historical underfunding of defense and reliance on US military protection, calling it 'free-riding'.
Germany is increasing defense spending significantly through constitutional changes and adopting a 'whatever it takes' principle to bolster national security.
Merz is strengthening European alliances by forming a new 'E3' partnership with the UK and France to enhance defense capabilities and address security challenges.
Russia's aggression is seen as an existential threat to Europe, and Merz emphasized the need for European defense autonomy due to the US shifting focus to Asia.
Merz expressed concerns about US tariffs on EU exports and maintained Germany's support for Ukraine, positioning himself as a key Western ally.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly acknowledged longstanding US criticisms about Europe's inadequate defense spending during a BBC interview, characterizing past reliance on American military protection as "free-riding." The conservative leader emphasized that European nations are now actively addressing these concerns through increased investments and strategic partnerships.

Shifting Defense Priorities

"We recognize our historical shortcomings in defense contributions and are substantially boosting our military capabilities," Merz told the BBC's Today Programme. This admission comes as Germany implements constitutional changes to facilitate a major defense spending increase, with the chancellor declaring a new principle: "Whatever it takes" to strengthen national security.

Strengthening European Alliances

The chancellor's UK visit focused on finalizing a bilateral friendship treaty enhancing defense cooperation with Britain, including joint weapons development and export initiatives. This agreement complements existing partnerships with France, forming what Merz describes as a crucial "E3" alliance of major European powers addressing both security and economic challenges.

"Russia's aggression poses an existential threat not just to Ukraine, but to Europe's entire political order," Merz warned, underscoring the urgency behind these defense upgrades.

Navigating US Relations

While maintaining weekly communication with President Trump, Merz expressed concerns about shifting American priorities: "The US focus is moving toward Asia, making European defense autonomy increasingly vital." The chancellor remains critical of proposed 30% US tariffs on EU exports, calling them potentially devastating for German industry.

Ukraine Support Continues

Merz confirmed plans to provide Ukraine with enhanced long-range military capabilities, building on his early symbolic visit to Kyiv shortly after taking office. The German leader has positioned himself as a key Western ally to Ukraine since his pre-election visit to the war-torn nation.

As Europe confronts multiple geopolitical challenges, Merz's comments reflect both contrition for past defense shortcomings and determination to forge a more self-reliant security architecture while preserving transatlantic ties.