"We cannot expect the world around us to permanently return to calmer times any time soon," said Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz in his government statement on the upcoming NATO summit and the European Council. He added: "We can ensure that it goes hand in hand with freedom, prosperity and peace, at least for us. The entire Federal Government is fully committed to this goal."

The NATO summit on 25 and 26 June 2025 in The Hague and the European Council on 26 and 27 June 2025 in Brussels would take place in times of geopolitical upheaval, according to Federal Chancellor Merz. The aim was to preserve freedom, prosperity, and peace in Germany and Europe. Together with its partners in the EU, NATO and the G7, Germany was creating the conditions for this. 

What does the Federal Government have planned for the coming months? What are its priorities? What is going to change? Federal Chancellor Merz addressed these questions in his speech.

Read the government statement in full here (only german).

This is what the Chancellor said about ...

... Germany's reliability 

Germany was back on the international and European stage and was demonstrating strength and reliability. This new determination was welcomed by the partners. 

... NATO summit in The Hague

Chancellor Merz described the forthcoming NATO summit as historic. The member states would invest significantly more in their security. This would be done out of conviction: the alliance needs to be so strong that nobody would dare to attack it. Germany was taking responsibility within the alliance and would make the Bundeswehr the strongest conventional army in Europe, just as Germany's partners expected.

... the situation in the Middle East

Iran was endangering the entire Middle East with its nuclear weapons programme and also posed a threat to Europe. "Iran must not possess nuclear weapons," said Merz. All diplomatic efforts should be utilised.

According to Merz, Israel had the right to defend its existence and the security of its citizens. "Part of the raison d'état of the mullah regime is the annihilation of the state of Israel. Our raison d’état is the defence of Israel's existence," said the Chancellor.

...sanctions against Russia

Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz made it clear that lasting peace would require a willingness to make peace on all sides. This had not yet been recognised in Russia. Putin only understood the language of strength. The EU's 18th sanctions package against Russia would contribute to this strong response. Chancellor Merz was confident that the USA would take its own measures. "That would promote the end of killing called for by US President Trump." 

...less bureaucracy in Europe 

The European Union had laid the foundations for more innovation and investment with progress in the savings and investment union and a more integrated energy infrastructure. But there was still a need to reduce bureaucracy in order to free innovation from the shackles of the state. The European Commission was on the right track here. "With this Federal Government, Germany will become a voice in Brussels for a sustainable and competitive economy," said the Chancellor.

...trade policy in Europe 

Federal Chancellor Merz called for Europe to position itself broadly in international trade partnerships. The aim should be to conclude further trade agreements and avoid tariffs - particularly with regard to trade in goods with the USA. The Chancellor expressed his confidence that an agreement in the customs dispute could be reached by the beginning of July. "Tariffs benefit no one, they harm everyone," said Merz. Should this not succeed, however, they were prepared: "The EU can and will defend its interests".