Proposal to Enhance EU Resident Count within the EU Borders
In a significant development, Union leaders, including CDU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn and Daniel Caspary, have held a meeting with Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss his controversial decision to partially suspend arms deliveries to Israel amid the Gaza conflict.
The meeting, which was initiated in a chat group over the weekend, was not a crisis meeting, as later reported, but a regular working meeting aimed at addressing concerns within the party. Merz's policy shift involved a temporary halt on military equipment exports that could be used in Gaza, excluding weapons related to Israel's self-defense like air and naval defense systems.
The discussion centered on Merz’s Israel policy—specifically the partial arms embargo—and his decision-making process, which did not involve the party or key ministers beforehand, causing internal conflict and demands for explanation from his Union colleagues. Merz emphasized that Germany’s fundamental support for Israel’s security had not changed but justified the partial arms freeze by pointing to the humanitarian catastrophe and the military conflict’s civilian toll.
Key Union members, including General Secretary Carsten Linnemann and Michael Kretschmer, Minister of Education, attended a meeting at the Chancellery on Tuesday evening to discuss these issues. However, the parliamentary group leaders were not present. The Chancellor exchanged views with some people from his leadership environment on this occasion.
The participants expressed dissatisfaction with Merz's communication style and his current policy shift. This meeting follows Merz's vacation interruption for the conversation, signaling the urgency of the matter for the Union leaders.
Meanwhile, Merz is also preoccupied with other international issues, such as U.S. diplomatic developments, which may have affected his handling of the party's concerns. The Chancellor is on call for corresponding preparations, including video conferences with US President Donald Trump and others.
This incident marks a departure from earlier firm support for Israel, acknowledging violations of international law and the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. The Union leaders are seeking clarity and discussion from the Chancellor on this matter, emphasizing the importance of coordinated strategy and open communication within the party.
Food was not discussed during the meeting, as it was focused on policy-and-legislation, specifically Merz's controversial decision to partially suspend arms deliveries to Israel, a matter that has stirred internal conflict within the party. The change in Israel policy and its decision-making process, as well as the Chancellor's communication style, have been points of concern and general news among the Union leaders.
