Merkel Urges European Unity Amid Trade Tensions with the U.S.
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel emphasized the need for Europe to remain united in the face of potential tariff increases by the United States during a recent statement. She expressed concerns about Vice President JD Vance’s remarks on conditional support from the U.S., calling it a threat to democracy, reports 24brussels.
Merkel insisted that while the relationship with the U.S. should not be severed, Europe must engage in negotiations and prepare to respond with its tariffs. “Even the U.S. cannot survive alone,” she noted, highlighting the interconnectedness of global economies.
In her memoir, Merkel reflected on her often tumultuous relationship with former President Donald Trump. She criticized his worldview, which she characterized as one focused solely on competition among nations rather than cooperation. “He judged everything from the perspective of the property entrepreneur he had been before politics,” she wrote, asserting that Trump perceived international relations as a zero-sum game.
Merkel’s remarks come at a critical time, just days ahead of the tenth anniversary of Greece’s contentious bailout referendum in 2015, when the nation faced a potential exit from the eurozone. During her visit to Athens, she recounted a significant phone conversation with former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras regarding the referendum, which could have had profound implications for Greece’s financial stability and its relationship with European partners.
Reflecting on history, Merkel reiterated the importance of working together for mutual prosperity, urging European leaders to focus on collaboration rather than rivalry. Her statements underscore ongoing discussions about the future of transatlantic relations and the global economic landscape.
