BERLIN, Jan 23 (Reuters) - German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, poised to become the next chancellor, expressed his intentions to regain the trust of important allies and enhance Berlin's assertiveness on the global stage in a speech outlining his foreign policy agenda.
Merz highlighted the opportunity presented by U.S. President's call for Europe to bolster its defense capabilities, emphasizing the need for stronger European unity.
Reflecting on recent challenges in strategizing with Berlin due to internal disputes within Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition, Merz focused on bolstering European cooperation rather than transatlantic relations in his address. The resulting discord prompted the dissolution of the coalition late last year, leading to an upcoming snap election on Feb. 23, where Merz's conservative party is poised for a significant victory.
If elected, Merz plans to establish a national security council within the chancellery to coordinate foreign, development, and defense policies among ministries, aiming for a unified stance. He emphasized the importance of consistent communication by ensuring all cabinet members attend EU Council meetings in Brussels and appointing English-speaking ministers and deputies from his party.
Merz stressed the need to rebuild relationships with key European allies, calling for closer collaboration with Poland and France within the European Council. He advocated for restructuring Europe's military procurement system to be more cost-effective and competitive compared to the United States.
Regarding the United States' interest in Greenland, Merz downplayed the significance, stating it serves as a tactic to highlight the island's strategic importance, noting the historical neglect of Greenland's defense.
Lastly, Merz urged the United States and the EU to prioritize reaching a free trade agreement over falling into a tariff dispute, cautioning against the repercussions of protectionist policies under the "America First" agenda.