German Chancellor Friedrich Merz supports Donald Trump's call for Europe to increase its defense spending, acknowledging past reliance on the U.S. Merz emphasizes the need for stronger military capabilities and highlights Germany's efforts to boost defense budgets. Sweden also plans significant defense investments, aiming for 3.5% of GDP. Merz maintains a positive relationship with Trump, focusing on ending the Ukraine war and addressing trade issues.
German Chancellor Agrees with Trump: Europe Must Invest More in Defense
German Chancellor: Europe Has Been Riding on Coattails
Donald Trump has accused European NATO countries of investing too little in defense. Now, he finds agreement from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. "We have been riding on coattails before," he tells the BBC.
The U.S. spends the most money in the world on its military, and thus also the most within the NATO alliance.
This is something U.S. President Donald Trump has disliked and pointed out on several occasions. He has accused Europe of riding on the U.S.'s coattails and demanded that European NATO countries invest more in their own defense.
Friedrich Merz, the German Chancellor, has been in the UK to strengthen defense cooperation between the countries. In an interview with the BBC, he agrees with Trump that Europe has done too little but believes they are now in agreement.
"We know we have to do more on our own, and we have been riding on coattails before. He asks us to do more, and we are doing more," he says.
"Not Strong Enough"
Friedrich Merz took office as Chancellor in May this year, but even before that, he was involved in pushing through a change in the German constitution to significantly increase defense spending.
"We are not strong enough, our army is not strong enough, and that's why we are investing so much money," he says.
Sweden has also decided to invest more in defense. The government and the Sweden Democrats have agreed on an additional 300 billion kronor over the next ten years.
"Sweden will reach 3.5% of GDP for military defense," said Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) at a press conference in March.
Has a Good Relationship with Trump
Germany is also working with the UK and France to build a triangular alliance, called E3. According to Merz, the cooperation aims not only at security and foreign policy but also at economic growth.
Friedrich Merz's time as Chancellor has been largely marked by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and U.S. trade tariffs. He tells the BBC that he has met Donald Trump three times so far and that they have "a good relationship."
"I believe President Trump is on the same page; we are trying to end this war. We talk on the phone once a week and coordinate our efforts. One issue is the war in Ukraine, and the other concerns our trade discussions and tariffs."