Merz Warns of Transatlantic Rift, Urges Renewal of Europe-US Ties

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned at the Munich Security Conference of a deep rift between Europe and the United States, urging both sides to repair transatlantic trust amid new great-power rivalry and saying the international order based on rights and rules is being destroyed. He stressed Europe’s commitment to climate accords and the WHO, defended free trade, and signaled talks with France on nuclear deterrence as part of strengthening the alliance, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who met Merz in Munich, emphasized continued coordination on Ukraine, supply chains, and reconstruction.