At the Arctic summit in Rovaniemi, Merz emphasized the urgency of European security vis-à-vis Russia.
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Chancellor Friedrich Merz takes part in the Arctic summit with European allies in Rovaniemi, Finland.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned against allowing European security issues to be overshadowed by the debate about himself. The CDU politician said at the Arctic summit with European allies in Rovaniemi, Finland, that he understands the domestic political debate in Germany. But Germany's fate is so closely linked to that of the European continent that external security cannot be separated from the debate at home.
With regard to Russia, Merz said that he was trying to convince his friends, his political party and the parliamentary group "that this is important, much more important than some of the domestic political debates we have." Europe is facing crucial weeks and months with a view to “defending the freedom and peace of our continent” against Russia. "I will do everything I can to secure our support and convince people that it is in our own interest to do this," said Merz.
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In Rovaniemi, EU states led by Chancellor Merz decided to expand their presence in the Arctic. The aim is to limit the influence of Russia, China and the USA, increase security and develop economic potential.

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At the Arctic summit in Rovaniemi, Chancellor Friedrich Merz and representatives from eleven other EU states decided to cooperate more closely. The aim is to strengthen the European presence in the face of geopolitical tensions and new economic opportunities.

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