German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned on Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos about the impact of major shifts in U.S. policy on the global order that has prevailed for the past three decades.

Merz said the world order, though not perfect, is now shaking under a new system based on power. He stressed that Europe is not at the mercy of this system and has the choice to shape its own future.

He urged European nations to act realistically, invest quickly in defense industries, make their economies competitive, and strengthen cooperation among themselves and with international partners.

Merz warned that a world built solely on power would be extremely dangerous, benefiting only the strongest.

Regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s demands about Greenland, Merz stated that Europe and the United States face the same threat posed by Russia in the Arctic. As NATO allies, both must ensure the region’s security. Germany is already contributing and will take further steps.

He welcomed Trump’s recent remarks about establishing a framework for a future agreement on Greenland and the Arctic, saying that “any resort to force would be unacceptable.”

Merz also cautioned that U.S. tariffs would harm relations with Europe, stressing that the continent would respond with a “united and firm” stance. He emphasized the importance of NATO, noting that the United States has “partners and friends it can rely on.”

Sources - Agencies