Following the discussions held at the European Council, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz gave a positive assessment of the outcome and highlighted the key decisions shaping Europe’s future. He emphasised the need for a realistic EU‑-financial framework, the strengthening of competitiveness, new trade defence mechanisms and a closely coordinated European approach to the war in Ukraine‑. 

According to Merz, it is particularly important that Europe remains capable of taking action – both within the EU and in the G7‑-forum. The discussions also focused on progress regarding EU‑ enlargement, preparations for possible peace talks on Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. Federal Chancellor Merz stressed that the ceasefire negotiated between the US and Iran in southern Lebanon must be observed as a matter of urgency.

The most important points in brief: 

• EU finances: According to Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the European Union is facing a crucial few months – financially, economically and geopolitically. The Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) is a key issue in this context. “From a German perspective, the proposal we currently have is unaffordable and also unbalanced,” said Merz. Germany expects the forthcoming Irish Presidency to produce a significantly streamlined draft in order to reach an agreement by 2026 and ensure planning certainty from 2028 onwards.
• EU competitiveness and trade policy: The Federal Chancellor announced that competitiveness is “a key issue that is now being discussed and taken forward at every European Council meeting”. According to Merz, it is particularly important to reduce the “bureaucratic burdens on our businesses and also on the public”. Federal Chancellor Merz also called for the EU to take a more resolute stance in international trade. As the world’s largest single market, Europe must do more to protect itself against “market-distorting practices and imbalances”. The European Union must have “effective instruments at its disposal to defend its interests around the world,” said Merz.
• Ukraine: Of particular significance at this European Council was the discussion with the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Together with President Zelenskyy, “key points for possible peace talks” have already been drawn up. According to Merz, the message to Russia is clear: “It is now time to enter into serious negotiations. It’s all down to Moscow now.”
• EU enlargement: Federal Chancellor Merz praised the progress that has been made on enlarging the European Union. For Ukraine and Moldova, the first cluster of negotiation chapters was opened on 15 June, with further clusters to follow. The Chancellor said he was seeking a policy debate at the next European Council in October on “how we can speed up the accession processes”.

Read the transcript of the press conference here (in German only):