German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Asserts European Self Respect in Parliamentary Speech
Chancellor Friedrich Merz told parliament that Europe has found self-respect by defending a rules-based order. He rejected tariff threats and urged NATO reform.
On 29 January 2026, German Chancellor friedrich merz delivered a significant speech to the German parliament in Germany 
DE, asserting that Europe has finally found self-respect by standing up for a rules-based global order. The Chancellor emphasized that rules-based action and rules-based trade are not dead, noting that an increasing number of countries recognize the clear advantages of free and fair trade. This address signals a shift in European posture toward a more self-confident role in international affairs and a refusal to be intimidated by external economic pressures.
DE, asserting that Europe has finally found self-respect by standing up for a rules-based global order. The Chancellor emphasized that rules-based action and rules-based trade are not dead, noting that an increasing number of countries recognize the clear advantages of free and fair trade. This address signals a shift in European posture toward a more self-confident role in international affairs and a refusal to be intimidated by external economic pressures.
