• Chancellor Merz calls for repairing US-Europe relations at Munich Security Conference.
• Acknowledges deep divide has opened between the US and Europe.
• Highlighting the importance of NATO, Merz emphasizes mutual benefits.
• Warns of increasing geopolitical tensions and potential sacrifices needed.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz opened the Munich Security Conference on February 13 by acknowledging a significant rift between Europe and the United States. He emphasized the need to "repair and revive transatlantic trust together," in light of deteriorating political relations influenced by US policies under President Donald Trump, including threats to seize Greenland and an emphasis on tariffs. Merz described the state of transatlantic ties as now being at one of their lowest levels in years, calling it an "uncomfortable truth" that must be addressed, according to The Local, Al Jazeera, India Times, Le Monde, and Channel News Asia.

Continuing his address, Merz noted the past comments of US Vice President JD Vance, who criticized European democracy in a prior conference, as indicative of the contentious relationships. Merz appealed for a "new transatlantic partnership," highlighting that "even the United States will not be powerful enough to go it alone." He reinforced that NATO membership is beneficial to both the US and Europe, urging a collective response to limiting geopolitical tensions and fostering unity, according to The Local and Al Jazeera.

Merz also expressed concerns that freedoms long seen as secure might be "endangered," contemplating that current geopolitics could demand unwanted "change, upheaval... and even sacrifice." This reflects his belief that Europe's need for defense bolstering has become crucial in light of uncertainties concerning US security commitments. He disclosed having "confidential talks" with French President Emmanuel Macron regarding potential European nuclear deterrence strategies, which further stress the shifting security landscape, as noted by India Times and Le Monde.