German Chancellor Merz Admits Europe ‘Free-Rided’ on US Defense While Strengthening UK, France Ties

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has acknowledged that Europe, including Germany, has historically underfunded its own defense and relied heavily on the United States, describing Europe as having been 'free-riders' in the past. Merz emphasized that Europe is now stepping up its defense efforts, aligning more closely with the U.S., and boosting defense spending significantly, with Germany pledging to meet NATO's target of 3.5% of GDP on hard defense by 2029. He has engaged in close coordination with U.S. President Donald Trump, including weekly calls to align on efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine and to manage trade tensions such as threatened tariffs on EU exports. Merz's chancellorship has been shaped by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, prompting Germany to increase its defense commitments and strengthen alliances within Europe, notably through a new UK-Germany bilateral treaty focused on defense, security, migration, and youth exchange. Germany, the UK, and France are also working more closely together through the E3 alliance to enhance European security and economic cooperation. Merz stressed the broader threat Russia poses to European peace and political order and expressed determination to do 'whatever it takes' to bolster Germany's military capabilities.