The favourite to become Germany’s next Chancellor has warned Europe must be ready to defend itself without the US.
Friedrich Merz, leader of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), expressed concerns that the Donald Trump administration might not uphold NATO’s Article 5, which states that an attack on one ally is an attack on all.
In an interview with German broadcaster ZDF, Mr Merz said: “We must prepare for the possibility that Donald Trump will no longer uphold NATO’s mutual defence commitment unconditionally.
“That is why, in my view, it is crucial that Europeans make the greatest possible efforts to ensure that we are at least capable of defending the European continent on our own.”
The US says European security is no longer its “primary focus”, demanding the rest of the NATO alliance spends considerably more on defence and Europe takes the lead in defending Ukraine.
Mr Merz’s comments underline concerns over the US’ commitment to NATO and Europe in a week that saw President Donald Trump suggest Ukraine started the war with Russia, albeit he later conceded on Friday Russia launched the attack, as well as US-Russia peace talks which excluded Kyiv.
Article 5 is the cornerstone of NATO security and the only time it has been triggered was following the 9/11 terror attacks in September 2001.
When asked whether he believes Mr Trump would uphold the clause, Mr Merz said: “I wouldn’t bet everything I have on any question I’m asked, and certainly not on this one.”
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group last week that Washington remains committed to NATO and European security “full stop”.
However, he also warned: “The United States will no longer tolerate an imbalanced relationship which encourages dependency.
“Rather, our relationship will prioritise empowering Europe to own responsibility for its own security.”
Mr Merz also suggested Germany should hold talks with the UK and France, Europe’s nuclear powers, “about whether nuclear sharing, or at least nuclear security from the UK and France, could also apply to us”.
The German election is taking place on Sunday, with Mr Merz’s party in first place ahead of the far-right AFD in second.
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