'High Expectations': EU Looks To Merz For Boost In Tough Times

Germany's Friedrich Merz began his maiden visit to Brussels Friday with expectations riding high that the changing of the guard in Berlin can bring fresh momentum to Europe at a time of dizzying global challenges.

After back-to-back trips to Paris and Warsaw signalling his intent to cement ties with both neighbours, the chancellor's swift visit to the EU capital showed his resolve to restore Germany's role in Europe following months of political paralysis.

Merz has already made his priorities clear: supporting new trade deals -- and de-escalating the tariffs standoff with the United States -- striking a balance between EU climate action and support for industry, curbing migration, and bolstering Europe's defence capability.

Addressing reporters on arrival, Merz said he had conveyed to Donald Trump Thursday that any trade negotiation must be conducted with all 27 EU member states, and that the US leader had invited him to Washington for further talks.

Although the Atlanticist Merz has been at pains to stress his commitment to Europe, Germany's EU comeback may not be all plain-sailing.

Elected on a pledge to clamp down on migration, one of the conservative chancellor's first steps in office was a unilateral move to reject most asylum seekers at Germany's borders -- to the notable displeasure of Poland.

Speaking alongside European Council president Antonio Costa, Merz sought to reassure his partners that "there is no German solo attempt here", vowing to keep acting "in accordance with European law".

Merz was due to address two more press conferences Friday, with EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO secretary-general Mark Rutte.

The most closely watched meeting will be with von der Leyen -- a fellow German conservative who has described the incoming chancellor as a "friend".

The two are expected to collaborate closely on the critical matter of trade -- where Germany's export-driven economy is especially vulnerable to Trump's tariffs campaign -- as well as on defence.

Brussels is looking to Germany to play a key role in driving the continent's rearmament -- faced with US disengagement and war on its doorstep in Ukraine.

The chancellor's visit comes as President Vladimir Putin gathered a cohort of friendly leaders for a World War II victory parade in Moscow -- underscoring the growing threat posed by Russia on Europe's eastern rim.

Merz and his Social Democrat (SPD) coalition partners have already ushered in a sea change in fiscally conservative Germany, changing the constitution to enable mass borrowing to upgrade the country's defence and infrastructure.

In that spirit, he has given strong backing to steps by Brussels to free up hundreds of billions in additional defence spending by member states, including by relaxing the bloc's fiscal rules.

It is no secret many in Brussels are glad to see the back of Merz's predecessor, Olaf Scholz, after what was often seen as an underwhelming tenure at the helm of Europe's largest economy, from 2021 to 2025.

"It was high time," summed up one EU diplomat. "We are waiting for, and we need, a strong Germany, one that's able to tackle the tough work ahead."

In an interview upon taking office this week, Merz -- who speaks fondly of his youthful years as an EU lawmaker from 1989 to 1994 -- promised to be a "very European" leader.

By contrast, "Scholz would always call Washington first," said Guntram Wolff, of the Bruegel think tank. "I think there is hope that Friedrich Merz will be more turned towards the EU."

"We have very high expectations of the German government," confirmed Finland's foreign minister, Elina Valtonen.