Ahead of a meeting of European heads of state and government on Monday evening at the Chancellery, Green co‑chair Franziska Brantner sharply criticised Chancellor Friedrich Merz for what she described as contradictory foreign‑policy signals toward the EU and its member states.
Brantner told Tagesspiegel that Merz “stumbles on the international stage between national solo moves and a European claim,” accusing him of offering Germany as a “fallback solution for the USA” before repositioning himself as host of a European summit – a pattern she called “political zig‑zag.” She highlighted that pre‑summit talks on Sunday with the United States and Ukraine had taken place without EU participation, and noted Merz’s recent remark that the United States should at least make Germany a partner if Europe is being sidelined.
FDP foreign‑policy spokesperson Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann warned against a German “special role” in Ukraine negotiations, insisting that a potential peace discussion must involve the whole of Europe standing alongside Ukraine. She argued that both Putin and Trump are trying to split Europe and cautioned Merz not to fall into that trap, noting that the United States appear to negotiate with Ukraine in “the interest of Russia and apparently also its own economic interest.”
Former Luxembourg foreign minister Jean Asselborn described the Chancellor’s diplomatic initiative on Ukraine as “commendable” but reiterated that any national action “detached from the EU community spirit is neither desirable nor effective,” particularly when it comes from the Union’s strongest member state. Both Brantner and Asselborn urged Merz to use this geopolitical moment to propel deeper EU integration, emphasizing the need for courage and resolve to advance European unity and security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Green co‑chair Franziska Brantner accuse Chancellor Merz of?
She said Merz was “stumbling” between national solo initiatives and European ambitions, offering Germany as a fallback for the United States before positioning himself as host of a European summit, which she called “political zig‑zag.”
What warning did FDP’s Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann issue?
She cautioned that Germany should not assume a special role in Ukraine peace talks, stressing that the whole of Europe must stand with Ukraine and warning the Chancellor not to fall into attempts by Putin or Trump to divide Europe.
How did former Luxembourg foreign minister Jean Asselborn view the Chancellor’s actions?
Asselborn called the diplomatic initiative “commendable” but warned that any national move isolated from EU unity is undesirable and ineffective, especially from Germany, the EU’s strongest member.
What do you think Germany’s next diplomatic steps should be in the context of EU unity and the Ukraine conflict?
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