Today, May 9, 2025, Friedrich Mertz visits Brussels for the first time as Germany’s chancellor to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. According to Wirtschaftswoche, Mertz is returning to familiar territory. He began his political career as an MEP for CDU before moving to the German Bundestag. Long-time acquaintances like Manfred Weber of CSU and von der Leyen have shaped his political journey.
Mertz has openly criticized von der Leyen regarding the Green Deal’s excessive bureaucracy affecting businesses. Despite recent Commission revisions, they fall short of Mertz’s expectations. The new German chancellor also voices concerns over the sluggish growth of the EU single market and its lack of competitiveness. “Brussels must deliver results if the economy is to recover,” circles around Mertz emphasize.
Regarding the EU budget, Mertz promised support during the election campaign but insists on focusing more on economic needs in von der Leyen’s second term. In Valencia, he outlined ambitious plans for Europe, including strengthening unity, defense capabilities, and fostering free trade agreements. Defense is a top priority against Russian threats; Mertz advocates for a realistic approach to shared military supplies and European defense industry development within NATO.
Funding remains unclear, with the Commission leaning toward common debt through defense bonds, opposed by Germany. Additionally, discussions on the long-term EU budget post-2028 may lead to disagreements, as von der Leyen calls for significant increases without proposing redistributions or savings. Migration policy poses another challenge, with Mertz needing to balance strict asylum policies promised during the campaign against the need for EU cohesion.