Merz calls for EU to build strategic partnerships with Türkiye, India, Brazil

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on the European Union to broaden its strategic horizons by establishing robust partnerships with nations including Türkiye, India, and Brazil. Addressing the Munich Security Conference on Friday, Merz argued that while deeper EU integration and transatlantic ties remain vital, they no longer suffice to meet the complex economic and security challenges of the current era.

Expanding the Network of Global Partnerships

"We need to establish a strong network of global partnerships," Merz declared, identifying Canada, Japan, Türkiye, India, Brazil, South Africa, and Gulf states as key prospective partners. The conservative leader emphasized that collaboration should be built on mutual respect and long-term perspective, focusing on shared concerns rather than creating new dependencies. "This would avoid dependencies and risks, and at the same time, open up opportunities and possibilities for both sides," he explained.

Shared Interests in Global Order

Merz stressed that Europe and its prospective partners share fundamental interests in a predictable international order where agreements can be trusted. "We share a fundamental interest in a political order in which we can trust agreements and in which we are able to tackle global problems together," he said. His remarks signal Germany's recognition that addressing global challenges requires engaging a wider circle of influential nations beyond traditional Western alliances, with Türkiye positioned as a critical partner bridging Europe and the broader region.