German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Europe must become more independent from the USA in the field of security, criticizing the recent American strategy.

Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, stated that Europe must reduce its dependence on the United States in security policy, in response to the new U.S. national security strategy, which contains severe criticisms of European states. Merz emphasized that Europe must take responsibility for protecting democracy and stated that some aspects of the American strategy are unacceptable from a European perspective. He mentioned that the U.S. needs partners, and Europe can be one of them. He also criticized statements in the American document that suggest a "civilizational disappearance" of Europe, asserting that Europeans can save democracy without the help of Americans. Merz highlighted that the issues Europe faces, such as censorship and the loss of national identity, are legitimate concerns, but do not require American intervention.