Browsing: Friedrich Merz

Spain slams EU inaction on Israel deal

EU

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez criticises EU members for not suspending a trade deal with Israel despite a recent review citing major human rights violations in Gaza.

Germany’s coalition deal critised

Europe

Merz’s CDU and its Bavarian sister party the Christian Social Union (CSU) have struck a coalition deal with the SPD to form a new government. The coalition agreement came after the CDU came in first place in snap German elections in February.   

Germany set to vote on historic increase in defence spending

EU

Germany’s Bundestag is poised to vote on a significant fiscal package that proposes amendments to longstanding debt policies, aiming to facilitate increased defence spending and establish a €500 billion infrastructure and climate fund.

The vote is seen as a response to Russia’s advances in Ukraine as the United States makes clear Europe can no longer rely on US protection from Russia.

Supporters of lifting the debt restrictions to boost defence spending say it’s essential for European security but there is also opposition. The decision could influence broader European defence initiatives, like the EU’s proposed €800 billion ReArm Europe fund.