Germany's Merz tells BBC Europe was free-riding on US

[SouthBayDem]

Source: BBC

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has accepted US accusations that Europe was doing too little to fund its own defence and security, but now believes they are on the same page.

"We know we have to do more on our own and we have been free-riders in the past," he told the BBC's Today Programme, "they're asking us to do more and we are doing more."

Merz was in the UK to boost defence ties with Germany, as part of an historic friendship treaty that also aims to tackle irregular migration and promote youth exchanges.

Russia's war with Ukraine has framed the early weeks of his chancellorship, as has US President Donald Trump's threat to impose 30% import tariffs on European Union exports from 1 August.

Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg6v0pk964o

[bucolic_frolic]

1. It's a bit blunt, but surely says Europe is accepting the new reality

The US can no longer be counted upon, not in the present at least.

[CTyankee]

2. Am I being paranoid or is he "bending the knee" to Trump?

This just scares me.

[Abnredleg]

4. He's being realistic

Europe’s defense lapsed after the Soviet Union dissolved and are now dangerously weak in an era of Russian aggression. We need to support our allies but they do need to step up.

[SickOfTheOnePct]

5. Exactly ...

...agree on all points.

[JCMach1]

8. I find the thought a re-militarized Germany almost as scary

Yet, here we are.

Japan is next I guess.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

3. Was not free-riding. European stability paid for US economic growth

If there had been a big war every twenty years in Europe in the 20 years since 1945, US economy would be a half or a quarter what it is today, with Europe as a market and a supply chain participant.

1914-18 plus 21: 1939-45, ... ? ... 1965-69? ... 1989-1993? ... 2013-2017?

[CTyankee]

6. So they're "going along" for the sake of economic stability and perhaps "hoping for a better POTUS next time"?

Depressing, if true...

[Dawson Leery]

9. This is true.

[Bayard]

7. Feeding the orange monster

"See! I told you so!"