German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said Europe wants to keep NATO strong and fully functional despite political differences with the United States. He stressed that the alliance remains central to European and global security.
In his statement, Merz acknowledged disagreements with Washington over the Iran conflict. However, he said such differences should not weaken the NATO alliance, which both sides continue to rely on for collective defence.
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The German chancellor said Europe is committed to keeping the alliance alive for the future. He added that while challenges exist, member states must continue working together to maintain unity and stability.
Merz further noted that Europe and the United States share a common goal regarding the Iran crisis. He said both sides want to end the conflict and prevent the spread of nuclear weapons in the region.
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He emphasized that despite tensions, NATO remains a shared strategic priority. He said cooperation within the alliance is essential for addressing global security threats and maintaining long-term peace.