Merz, message for Trump's America: "In an era of rivalry, not even the USA will be strong enough alone"

The German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned the US on Friday that NATO is not only in Europe's interest but also in the United States' interest and that even they will not be strong enough to defend themselves alone.

"In an era of rivalry between great powers, even the US will not be strong enough to go it alone," Merz said on Friday, on the first day of the Munich Security Conference.

He stated that for generations, "the trust among allies, partners, and friends has made NATO the strongest alliance of all time," adding that "Europe knows deeply how precious this is." "In an era of rivalry between great powers, even the United States will not be strong enough to go it alone," Merz then warned.

"Dear friends, being part of NATO is not only Europe's competitive advantage but also the United States' competitive advantage. Therefore, let us repair and renew transatlantic trust together. We Europeans will do our part."

The German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also stated on Friday, in a speech at the Munich Security Conference (MSC), that he is having discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron regarding the creation of a common European nuclear force.

The Munich Security Conference in 2026 takes place against the backdrop of an international order described by the organizers as "in the process of demolition" with an agenda dominated by the transatlantic relationship, the war in Ukraine, crises in the Middle East, and the reconfiguration of Europe's role in the global security architecture.