BERLIN - The German Federal Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, acknowledged that the current energy situation in the country is closely linked to restrictions on natural gas supplies from Russia. In a regular "summer interview" for the public broadcaster ZDF, he stated that Germany continues to feel the consequences of severing long-term energy ties with Moscow, which is reflected in energy prices, industrial competitiveness, and economic growth.
Merz emphasized during the interview that the German economy is going through a difficult period and that energy security remains one of the main priorities of his government. According to the Chancellor, the country had to adapt to new conditions in the European energy market in a short period, which required extensive investments in infrastructure, imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), and the development of alternative energy sources. He also dedicated a significant portion of the interview to transatlantic relations. Merz pointed out that the United States, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, approaches European security differently than previous American administrations. According to him, Washington is no longer providing the North Atlantic Alliance with the level of support that European countries have been accustomed to in recent decades.
The Chancellor therefore called on European allies to take greater responsibility for their own defense. He stressed that European countries will need to continue strengthening their defense capabilities and increasing investments in security in order to be able to respond to the changing geopolitical situation. Energy policy remains one of the most discussed topics among the German public. Following the reduction in Russian gas supplies, the federal government was forced to seek new suppliers and accelerate the diversification of energy sources. While this process has strengthened the country's energy independence according to the government, it has also led to higher costs for industry and households.
Economists have long warned that high energy prices represent a significant burden, especially for energy-intensive industrial sectors. German companies are therefore increasingly calling for stable energy prices and a predictable business environment. Merz's statements have reopened the debate about the consequences of Europe's energy transition, the future of relations with Russia, and the role of the United States in European security architecture. His remarks suggest that issues related to energy and defense will continue to be among the key topics of German and European politics in the coming months.