Foreign policy challenges: Merz and the growing threat in Europe

The Kremlin is expanding its shadow war, the threat to peace in Europe is growing. The drama of the foreign policy situation is underestimated in Germany.

A trip to the Arctic Circle? Now of all times, in the most serious crisis of his term in office? Chancellor critics have an easy time of it these days. Instead of fighting for his power in Berlin, Friedrich Merz is taking care of “coordinating an integrated EU Arctic policy” in Finland. Are you crazy?

Merz has made many mistakes and his decline in authority is largely his own fault. Despite numerous attempts at a new start and promises of improvement, the appearance of his government has remained as it was: miserable.

Citizens are losing trust and even Merz's closest supporters within the party are losing patience. But with all understanding for the frustration with the Chancellor and the black-red coalition: There is a world beyond Berlin-Mitte.

Can a faltering Merz give Europe stability?

The drama of the foreign policy situation is obviously underestimated in Germany. The impacts are getting closer, literally.

The attack on the Ukrainian-Polish border, which narrowly missed a train carrying European diplomats, is further evidence that Russia is becoming increasingly aggressive.

In this situation, the Chancellor has assumed the leadership role that is expected of Germany as the largest European economic nation. Equipped with hundreds of billions for the Bundeswehr, Merz is trying to give support to the beleaguered continent.