As partly understandable and partly unacceptable, but in any case expected and without surprises, Friedrich Merz described the new US security strategy and reiterated that Europeans “must become even more independent from the US” on security issues.

The German chancellor also said he has extended an invitation to the US president to visit Germany and his ancestral homeland.

The document (of the US security strategy) roughly corresponds to what US Vice President J.D. Vance had said last February at the Munich Security Conference, Merz said, referring to the accusations Vance had made at the time against Europe for restricting freedom of expression and blocking parties such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD).

On cooperation in security policy, Merz said he was “vindicated” in his belief that “we in Europe, and therefore in Germany, must become even more independent of the United States in security matters.” In his talks with Americans, he added, he always says that “America First” is good, but “America Alone” cannot be in the interests of the US. “I always tell them that America also needs partners in the world and one of those partners can be Europe,” the Chancellor said, adding: “And if you can’t do anything with Europe, then at least make Germany your partner.”

Asked about this, Chancellor Merz also said that a visit by Trump to Rhineland-Palatinate, where his great-grandfather came from, could take place as early as 2026. “The invitation to visit Berlin is of course on the table and he has told me he wants to do it next year. Then we will see if we can visit his homeland together,” Merz said.