Germany Merz calls for greater international commitment from the EU
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sees the agreement on US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan as a call for Europe to step up its international engagement.
16.10.2025, 09:54
SDA
"Since Monday of this week, there has been renewed hope for real, lasting peace in the region," said the Christian Democrat in a government statement in the Bundestag. This was "possible because states and heads of state and government have worked together and because they have left no doubt about their determination to end this terrible war".
The heads of state of the USA, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey signed a document in Egypt on Monday that is intended to consolidate the current ceasefire based on Trump's 20-point plan.
They had "experienced what is possible when the international community works together. Political action makes a difference in this world, for better or for worse," said the Chancellor. "That is why this past Monday is an occasion for me to face up to our own responsibility to act even more resolutely," he demanded. "Europe must make more determined and united use of its opportunities and must use its power to shape the world for the better."
Merz: Only strength preserves peace
Being a force for peace remains the basic idea of the European Union and is also a central founding idea of the Federal Republic of Germany, said Merz, emphasizing the second part of the word "force for peace". Peace in freedom can only succeed where peace is underpinned by economic and political strength, determination and military strength. "Because in this world, which is becoming and has become rougher, the following applies: only strength preserves peace. And weakness causes peace to falter," added Merz.
