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Friedrich Merz

Chancellor of Germany
Friedrich Merz (full name Joachim-Friedrich Martin Josef Merz) was born on November 11, 1955, in Brilon, North Rhine-Westphalia, West Germany. He received his legal education, studying at the Universities of Bonn and Marburg. His professional career began with work as a judge in Saarbrücken, and then as a corporate lawyer. Since January 2022, he has held the position of leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), and since May 2025, he has been the Federal Chancellor of Germany.
1985
Became a judge in Saarbrücken after graduating from law school
1989
Was elected to the European Parliament
1994
Was elected to the German Bundestag
2000
Headed the CDU/CSU parliamentary group
2009
Headed the "Atlantik-Brücke" association
2021
Returned to the Bundestag
2022
Was elected leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU)
2024
Became the Union's candidate for Chancellor of Germany
2025
Led the CDU/CSU bloc to victory in the federal elections
2025
Was elected Chancellor of Germany
News by theme
Ukraine is not considering alternatives to full EU membership – Kachka

Ukraine rejects alternative integration models and seeks full EU membership. The authorities insist on opening all negotiation clusters in June.

Politics • May 27, 04:09 PM • 2977 views
Umerov arrives in Berlin for talks with Germany, France, and Britain - Politico

Rustem Umerov is reportedly in Berlin to discuss security and EU membership with advisors from the E3 group. The meeting takes place against the backdrop of Russian threats to launch new strikes on Kyiv.

Politics • May 26, 02:10 PM • 3642 views
Zelenskyy: Ukraine's presence in the EU must be full-fledged

Zelenskyy stated the necessity of Ukraine's full membership in the EU and the opening of negotiating clusters. The European project is impossible without Ukraine and its voice.

Politics • May 23, 02:47 PM • 4205 views
It would be unfair if Ukraine were present in the EU but remained without a voice – Zelenskyy

Zelenskyy called Friedrich Merz's proposal regarding Ukraine's EU membership without voting rights unfair. The President demands equal rights for the state.

Politics • May 23, 09:47 AM • 4917 views
Plans to transfer a gas-fired power plant from Germany to Ukraine have sparked political disagreements

Germany will transfer an unprofitable gas-fired power plant to Ukraine on a self-pickup basis. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has opposed this decision.

Economy • May 23, 09:19 AM • 16427 views
Associate membership could block Ukraine's actual accession to the EU - Irish Foreign Minister

The Irish Foreign Ministry warns that associate member status would block Ukraine's full accession to the EU. This could create a two-tier approach to the bloc's expansion.

Politics • May 23, 03:34 AM • 12313 views
Zelenskyy discussed intensifying diplomacy for peace and Russia's plans with Starmer, Macron, and Merz

Zelenskyy discussed strengthening diplomacy and Russia's plans with E3 leaders. The parties agreed on a meeting of advisors and an exchange of intelligence.

Politics • May 22, 04:11 PM • 4264 views
"Either we take someone in, or we don't": Fico rejected Merz's idea of "associated" EU membership for Ukraine

Robert Fico rejected the idea of German Chancellor candidate Merz regarding associated EU membership for Ukraine without voting rights. The Slovak Prime Minister advocates for either full accession or rejection.

Politics • May 21, 08:36 PM • 18214 views
Merz proposes "associate" EU membership for Ukraine without voting rights

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposes granting Ukraine the status of an associate member of the EU. This would allow officials to attend summits without the right to vote.

Politics • May 21, 08:53 AM • 12987 views
Trump administration to reduce forces available to NATO for Europe - Reuters

The US will reduce military aid to European NATO allies in the event of a crisis. Washington wants to shift the responsibility for security onto Europe.

News of the World • May 20, 05:59 AM • 4082 views
EU selects a single negotiator to end the war in Ukraine: candidates include Kallas, Merkel, and Draghi

The EU plans to appoint a special representative for peace negotiations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Kaja Kallas and Mario Draghi are considered among the main candidates.

Politics • May 18, 01:55 PM • 4344 views
Merz names the true objective of Russia's latest massive strikes on Ukraine

Chancellor Merz stated that the Russian attacks indicate a choice of escalation over diplomacy. He emphasized the readiness of Kyiv and its partners for negotiations on a just peace.

Politics • May 15, 01:02 AM • 27137 views
Merz responds to Putin regarding Schröder's involvement in peace negotiations on Ukraine

Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz called the Russian attacks on May 14 proof of the Kremlin's insincerity regarding peace statements. He rejected the proposal to involve Gerhard Schröder in the negotiation process.

Politics • May 14, 03:29 PM • 7852 views
NATO countries prepare for Trump's withdrawal of additional troops from Europe - Bloomberg

Allies expect a large-scale withdrawal of US troops from Germany, Italy, and Spain. Trump plans to cancel the deployment of long-range missiles in Europe.

Politics • May 9, 02:29 PM • 4463 views
EU fears collapse of trade deal with US due to Trump-Merz conflict - Bloomberg

Trump's anger at Merz over criticism of the war in Iran is stalling the trade deal with the EU. The US could impose 25% tariffs on cars as early as July 4.

Economy • May 8, 11:54 PM • 4341 views
US troop withdrawal from Germany overshadowed summit of European leaders in Yerevan – media

The announcement of the US troop withdrawal from Germany forced EU leaders to discuss defense independence. In Yerevan, they also coordinated actions regarding Ukraine.

Politics • May 4, 11:49 AM • 4498 views
Merz declared readiness to continue cooperating with Trump despite contradictions

The German Chancellor confirmed his intention to cooperate with Washington despite criticism of US actions. Trump is threatening to reduce the military presence in the country.

News of the World • May 3, 09:54 PM • 3222 views
NATO is trying to "understand the details" of the US decision to withdraw troops from Germany

The U. S. is withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany due to a conflict between Trump and Merz. NATO is examining the details of the decision and calling on Europe to strengthen its own security.

Politics • May 2, 05:29 PM • 7567 views
Trump threatens to withdraw US troops from two more European countries besides Germany

The US President is considering troop reductions in Italy and Spain due to NATO's refusal to assist in the war against Iran. Trump criticized the allies for their lack of support.

Politics • April 30, 09:32 PM • 11934 views
Biden gave Ukraine 350 billion dollars, and this is one of the reasons why the war continues - Trump

Donald Trump stated that Joe Biden provided Ukraine with 350 billion dollars in aid. According to the politician, this became the reason for the continuation of the war.

War in Ukraine • April 30, 08:10 PM • 30685 views
Merz should spend more time resolving the war in Ukraine and interfere less in Iran's affairs - Trump

Donald Trump urged the German Chancellor to pay more attention to the war in Ukraine. He also threatened to reduce the number of American troops.

Politics • April 30, 02:28 PM • 4520 views
EU reacts after Trump's threats: US is an important partner, but troop deployment also serves US interests

European Commission spokesperson stated that American troops in Europe support the global role of the US. Germany is prepared for a possible reduction of the contingent.

News of the World • April 30, 01:52 PM • 3968 views
Merz calls for a "reliable transatlantic partnership" following Trump's threats of troop cuts

During a visit to the army, Merz emphasized the importance of NATO and the partnership with the US. He called for Bundeswehr reform and a fair burden-sharing.

News of the World • April 30, 01:33 PM • 3594 views
EU prepares pre-accession benefits for Ukraine as rapid membership is delayed

The EU is preparing a model for Ukraine's gradual integration with access to the market and programs without voting rights. Membership is possible no earlier than 2027 due to required reforms.

Politics • April 30, 04:34 AM • 4213 views
Trump threatened to reduce US troops in Germany amid conflict with MerzPhoto

Donald Trump is considering reducing American troops in Germany in the near future. This comes as a response to Merz's criticism of US policy toward Iran.

Politics • April 29, 11:40 PM • 4034 views
Merz stated that Ukraine's path to the EU will be long, and a peace agreement may contain difficult territorial decisions

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz considers Ukraine's EU membership in 2027-2028 unrealistic. He suggested difficult territorial decisions in a peace agreement with the Russian Federation.

Politics • April 27, 04:07 PM • 5386 views
"Immediate accession impossible": Merz proposes integrating Ukraine into the EU without voting rights

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that Ukraine's immediate accession to the EU is impossible, but called for closer integration into institutions without voting rights. He proposed interim steps for gradual rapprochement with the bloc after the summit in Nicosia.

Politics • April 24, 10:38 PM • 19982 views
Zelenskyy and Merz held the first intergovernmental consultations in 20 years

In Berlin, energy, air defense, and a drone agreement were discussed. Germany confirmed its support for Ukraine's accession to the EU and the opening of a Unity Center.

Politics • April 14, 04:00 PM • 3529 views
Partners will gain access to unique combat data: Ukraine and Germany begin exchanging battlefield data

Ministers signed an agreement on data exchange for weapons analysis and artificial intelligence development. Zelenskyy proposed a drone agreement to Germany.

War in Ukraine • April 14, 03:27 PM • 5645 views
Ukraine's EU membership will not be "second-class"; Kyiv must meet accession criteria - Merz

The German Chancellor stated that Ukraine is preparing for full EU membership. For integration, the country must meet all standard criteria and conditions.

Politics • April 14, 02:15 PM • 13104 views