FULL SPEECH: Germany's Merz Warns of Russian Escalation, Defends Ukraine Aid in Bundestag | AC1G

Summary

In a Bundestag speech ahead of the European Council meeting in Brussels, Chancellor Friedrich Merz framed his agenda around justice, security and Europe’s future. Drawing on a 2011 speech by Pope Benedict, he argued that politics should strive for fair conditions while acknowledging that Germany and Europe face serious crises.

Justice and Reform

Merz said Germany must address weaknesses in both security and social justice. He defended the government’s reforms on pensions, care, the labor market, competitiveness and bureaucracy. He defined justice as equal opportunity, rewarding contribution and fairness between generations—not expropriation, redistribution at the expense of high performers or the exclusion of minorities. He warned that delaying reform would shift an unfair burden onto younger people.

Security and Support for Ukraine

Merz strongly defended military aid to Ukraine, rejecting claims that it takes funding away from German social programs or education. He said the government had created a defense-spending exemption within the debt rules, arguing that investment in security protects the conditions needed for freedom, economic activity and justice.

He warned that Russia’s readiness to escalate is growing, posing a threat to Ukraine, neighboring Eastern European countries and Germany. He accused far-left and far-right politicians of downplaying the threat and spreading division and disinformation.

Europe’s Budget and Competitiveness

Merz said the EU’s next long-term budget should prioritize security and competitiveness while making more selective use of limited resources. He called for cutting bureaucracy, speeding up approvals and encouraging investment in areas including artificial intelligence, decarbonization and defense. He also backed completing the single market, including by creating a simpler EU-wide framework for startups and improving access to capital.

Trade and Economic Outlook

Merz advocated expanding trade partnerships to reduce dependence on individual suppliers. He named agreements with Mercosur and India, as well as closer ties with Indo-Pacific countries. He also called for stronger EU trade defenses against practices such as heavy subsidies, currency manipulation, overcapacity and aggressive pricing, arguing that Europe should be able to respond more quickly to targeted economic attacks.

He said economic indicators offered some grounds for optimism, citing higher growth forecasts for 2026, expectations of continued improvement in 2027, increased foreign investment and record company formations. However, he stressed that a more prosperous future would require sustained effort and fairly shared burdens.

Merz concluded by urging action against extremism and arguing that a stable Germany and effective government reforms are essential to preserving European freedom, peace and prosperity.

Presenter/contributor: Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor.