$43.180.08
50.320.20
Electricity outage schedules

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
German Chancellor announced proposals for a peace plan for Ukraine submitted to the US

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that the European side has submitted proposals for a peace plan for Ukraine to the United States. Negotiations with the American side could take place this weekend and continue next week in Berlin.

Politics • December 11, 11:00 AM • 18099 views
Merz downplayed hints of a clash with Trump: stated a "constructive" conversation where Ukraine was discussed

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had a "constructive" conversation with US President Donald Trump, where they discussed Ukraine and a possible meeting in Berlin. Merz emphasized that Ukraine must decide on concessions, and also criticized Putin and supported the use of frozen Russian assets.

Politics • December 11, 10:47 AM • 3604 views
Trump administration proposes a plan to rebuild Ukraine and return Russia to the global economy; some in Europe say 'it's like Yalta' - WSJ

The Trump administration has handed European counterparts documents outlining its vision for Ukraine's reconstruction and Russia's return to the global economy. The proposals have sparked a fierce struggle between America and its allies in Europe.

Politics • December 11, 07:59 AM • 23066 views
Macron, Starmer, and Merz discussed Ukraine with Trump - media

The President of France, the Prime Minister of Great Britain, and the Chancellor of Germany held talks with the US President regarding Ukraine. The information was confirmed by the office of the President of France.

Politics • December 10, 04:00 PM • 6388 views
Trump's attacks force Europe to accelerate 'post-American' defense plans - Politico

Donald Trump is forcing EU leaders to confront a future in which America is no longer their primary security guarantor. Europe must organize its own defense much faster than anyone could have imagined.

Politics • December 10, 11:35 AM • 20877 views
Zelenskyy entered the ranking of the most influential people in Europe: what places did Trump and Putin get?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took 14th place in Politico's ranking of the most influential people in Europe. The ranking was topped by US President Donald Trump, and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin was placed 5th.

Politics • December 9, 02:11 PM • 28840 views
Merz called parts of the US security strategy "unacceptable" and sees no need for Americans to save democracy in Europe

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the new US National Security Strategy contains parts unacceptable to Europe. He also noted that Europe should become less dependent on the United States.

News of the World • December 9, 12:46 PM • 3055 views
Russia's assets worth over $130 billion for Ukraine: EU may announce confiscation soon

The European Union may announce a decision on the confiscation of frozen Russian assets within two weeks. These funds, up to 100 billion pounds sterling, or over 130 billion US dollars, include 8 billion pounds sterling (over 10 billion dollars) in the United Kingdom and are intended to provide funding for aid to Ukraine.

Economy • December 9, 07:00 AM • 4415 views
Europe has the means and the will to increase pressure on Russia: von der Leyen after the meeting of the coalition of the willing

The President of the European Commission also emphasized that "Europe's defense is our responsibility," summarizing plans to increase defense spending and production.

Politics • December 8, 06:10 PM • 3233 views
President Zelenskyy spoke about what he discussed with European leaders in LondonVideo

The President of Ukraine summarized his meetings in London with European leaders. The unity of allies, security guarantees, reconstruction, and further defense support for Ukraine were discussed.

Politics • December 8, 05:26 PM • 35754 views
Zelenskyy concludes talks in London and heads to Brussels for meeting with NATO and EU leadersPhoto

The President of Ukraine has concluded his visit to London, leaving Downing Street after a meeting with the Prime Minister of Great Britain. He is now heading to Brussels for talks with NATO and EU leaders.

Politics • December 8, 04:43 PM • 3865 views
EU leaders concluded talks at Downing Street: Macron and Merz left, Starmer and Zelenskyy continued meeting

A meeting of European leaders with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took place. After a group photo, Macron and Merz left Downing Street, while Starmer and Zelenskyy continued face-to-face negotiations.

Politics • December 8, 03:10 PM • 5309 views
Zelenskyy met with Starmer, Macron, and Merz in London: emphasized the importance of unity between Europe, Ukraine, and the USA

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the leaders of Britain, France, and Germany held a meeting in London. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of unity between Europe, Ukraine, and the USA.

Politics • December 8, 01:40 PM • 3356 views
Leaders of Britain, France, and Germany to meet before talks with Zelensky in London: Sky News learns details

Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the UK for meetings with E3 leaders. After that, he will hold a bilateral meeting with Starmer and participate in a phone call with the leaders of Finland, Italy, NATO, and the EU, and then head to Belgium.

Politics • December 8, 12:22 PM • 4410 views
Zelenskyy arrives in Britain

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in the United Kingdom. He will meet with the British Prime Minister, the leaders of France and Germany, and then fly to Belgium.

War in Ukraine • December 8, 12:00 PM • 3229 views
We have no agreement on Donbas: Zelenskyy on peace talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that participants in peace initiative negotiations, mediated by the US, differ in opinions regarding the territorial issue. He emphasized that an agreement on the Ukrainian Donbas, including the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, has not yet been reached.

War in Ukraine • December 8, 11:28 AM • 20167 views
Zelenskyy to hold meetings with leaders of Britain, France, and Germany, then with the EU and NATO: Presidential Office provides details

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with his British, French, and German counterparts in London. This will be followed by a video call with EU and NATO leaders, and then a visit to Brussels for high-level meetings.

Politics • December 8, 10:37 AM • 15374 views
Politico: EU countries will have to allocate billions for guarantees of a "reparation loan" for Ukraine, with Germany bearing the largest share

EU countries will have to allocate billions of euros to guarantee loans to Ukraine totaling up to 210 billion euros, with Germany providing support of up to 52 billion euros. The European Commission presented these figures after proposing a "reparation loan" for Ukraine of 165 billion euros from frozen Russian assets.

Economy • December 8, 08:21 AM • 3833 views
Starmer hosts Zelenskyy with Macron and Merz today amid US pressure: what will be discussed in London

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The meeting takes place amid fears that the US may pressure Ukraine to accept a peace deal with Russia.

Politics • December 8, 07:52 AM • 3844 views
Russia is seizing territory in Ukraine at the fastest pace since the start of the war - The Telegraph

Russia seized more than 500 square kilometers of territory in November, twice as much as last month. At the same time, with the onset of winter, analysts expect a slowdown in the Russian advance on the front.

War in Ukraine • December 8, 12:03 AM • 12252 views
Netanyahu rejects plea bargain in exchange for leaving politics

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he does not plan to leave politics in exchange for a possible pardon in corruption cases. He emphasized that his fate would be determined by the citizens of Israel.

Politics • December 7, 06:55 PM • 10207 views
EU leaders to continue discussions on using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine on December 18

European Union leaders will discuss the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine at a summit on December 18. Belgium has a special position on this issue, and the US is trying to block EU plans to use these assets.

Economy • December 7, 12:34 AM • 4274 views
"You're not even in the game": Putin's adviser reacted to Merz's "distrust" of US mediation in peace talksPhoto

Kirill Dmitriev, an adviser to the Russian dictator, reacted to media reports about German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's distrust of US mediation efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Dmitriev accused Merz of inciting war and sabotaging peace.

Politics • December 6, 03:34 AM • 23548 views
"Financial support for Ukraine is central to European security": von der Leyen met with the heads of government of Germany and Belgium

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of financial support for Ukraine for European security. She also stated that Belgium's situation regarding frozen Russian assets must be resolved in such a way that all European states bear the same risk.

Economy • December 6, 02:31 AM • 10552 views
US urged Europeans to oppose EU plan for loan using Russian assets for Ukraine - Bloomberg

The US is trying to block EU plans to use frozen assets of the Russian central bank to support a loan to Ukraine. Washington believes that these assets are necessary to secure a peace agreement between Kyiv and Moscow.

Politics • December 5, 10:02 AM • 14479 views
European leaders warn Zelenskyy to be cautious in US's rapid pursuit of peace - WSJ

European leaders are warning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy not to succumb to Russia's demands without ironclad security commitments from the United States. They advise clearly defining America's role in security guarantees for Kyiv before agreeing to Russia's demands.

Politics • December 5, 09:44 AM • 10423 views
Belgian PM confirms meeting with Merz on Friday regarding reparations loan to Ukraine, but there's a catch - Reuters

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever will hold talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. Belgium expresses concerns about legal aspects and potential risks for its taxpayers.

Economy • December 4, 09:23 PM • 10985 views
Merz canceled trip to Norway for talks in Belgium on Russian assets for loan to Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz canceled a trip to Oslo to persuade Belgium to support a €165 billion "reparation loan" to Ukraine. The loan is proposed to be secured by frozen Russian state assets located in Belgium.

Politics • December 4, 02:44 PM • 3138 views
Macron to make fourth visit to China as Europe seeks balance between rivalry and dependence - Reuters

French President Emmanuel Macron will make his fourth state visit to China this week. Europe is seeking to strike a balance between economic and security threats from Beijing and its dependence on the world's second-largest economy.

News of the World • December 2, 09:30 AM • 32503 views
Merz praises German-Polish relations and rejects 'imposed peace' for Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed support for close relations with Poland, emphasizing European unity and a common stand against threats from Russia. Deeper cooperation in defense was discussed, including the protection of NATO's eastern flank and plans to sign a new defense agreement in 2026.

Politics • December 1, 03:50 PM • 4022 views