Chat on Merz's Tete-a-Tete with Trump: Wadephul: "Step Forward for Old World's Safety"
Enthusiastic Declaration by Wadephul Regarding Enhanced Security Measures in Europe
Catch up on Maybrit Illner's talk show after Chancellor Friedrich Merz's sitdown with US President Donald Trump. Overall consensus? A promising step for Europe's safety.
The German Chancellor managed to impress Trump with his snazzy English, appreciating his digs at the guest house, and dropping a few well-timed flatteries. Ukraine's war against Russia? Merz expressed Germany's solidarity, but Trump compared it to a squabble between kids in a playground. In other words, peace in Ukraine may still be a ways off. However, the most exciting takeaway for the Chancellor? Trump agreed to visit Germany.
So, what's the lowdown on Merz's visit from the crew on ZDF's show? Mainly positive vibes. Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, from the CDU, shared, "That was a good start. I think there was also a bit of respect heard from Donald Trump." In Wadephul's eyes, Trump took Merz seriously, which is a major win for Germany.
Elmar Theveßen, ZDF's correspondent who attended the meeting, thinks Merz was well-received in the Oval Office. "In the Oval Office, it's often 'grill or chill' - either you get grilled, or you can chill. And we got the impression that Friedrich Merz was able to chill quite a bit." This was mostly because, during the press briefing before the lunch with the two heads of state, Trump did most of the talking, but Merz seized his opportunities, especially on Ukraine.
Economist Adam Tooze of Columbia University chimed in, noting that the visit accomplished its primary objective: establishing a personal connection, hopefully a robust one, even if it's not always friendly. Diplomat Wolfgang Ischinger agreed, sharing, "The transatlantic relationship isn't yet destroyed." Phew, close call! Ischinger is optimistic that the NATO summit, happening in just under three weeks, will reaffirm alliance unity, despite Trump.
Wadephul weighed in, "We're prepping hard for that NATO summit, and today's meeting was a significant stride for our security and freedom in Europe. After today's events, I'm feeling pretty optimistic about the summit and a clear commitment from the US to stand by Europe according to Article 5." Of course, there's more on the agenda, like dealing with student issues and navigating the proximity to AfD, demonstrated by Vice President Vance at the Munich Security Conference.
One tricky thing to consider? America's unpredictability, according to Tooze. "One should assume that Trump's stance on Ukraine and Europe is up for grabs." The United States as a superpower is in a state of flux. "This instability existed before Trump's second term and will persist afterward," Tooze warned.
But Wadephul thinks Trump can be drawn to the German side by prompting increased NATO contributions. Wadephul insists that paying 5% of GDP to NATO for defense spending and improving infrastructure in the coming years is crucial for the alliance to stay together and for the summit to run smoothly.
Now, it's time to pin down Trump's cooperation in the Ukraine war against Russia, says Wadephul. He sees a golden opportunity in China. China, a close ally of Russia, poses a threat to the US, in Trump's eyes. That's a fantastic chance for us to tell the US, "We Europeans are ready to coordinate a China policy with you, if our interests are taken into account. In the end, the old saying of Bismarck applies: foreign policy is interest policy. And we must align our interests and those of the United States. That's the best basis for common ground."
Sources: ntv.de
- Donald Trump
- Friedrich Merz
- Johann Wadephul
- NATO
- Attack on Ukraine
The European Union, following this political event, might consider strengthening its relationship with the United States in the implementation of the EU's nuclear programme, given the positive vibes and potential security benefits from the meeting between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Donald Trump. In the context of general news, the EU could find common ground with the US, particularly on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, by coordinating a China policy influenced by mutual interests, as Donald Trump views China, an ally of Russia, as a potential threat.
As the NATO summit approaches, Johann Wadephul emphasizes the importance of increased NATO contributions from member states, such as Germany, to secure alliance unity and the success of the summit. This strategy could potentially draw President Trump to the German side, further cementing ties between the EU and the US.
