Germany's new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, called for the repeal of the CSDDD during his inaugural visit to the European Commission on May 9,

Confidence jumped this month as U.S. tariff concerns were alleviated somewhat and Germany’s new government began to take shape.

Center-right politician Friedrich Merz was elected as German chancellor Tuesday in a second vote just hours after his historic defeat in a bid to lead the country.

Germany's newly-minted Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to attend the ceremonial inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Rome, government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said on Monday. Merz is also planning to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the visit in what would be his first meeting with the Italian leader since he took office last week.

Germany's new chancellor Friedrich Merz signalled a new start in relations with European partners France and Poland, but there were signs of tough discussions ahead on thorny issues like illegal migration and defence financing.

Friedrich Merz was poised to be sworn in as chancellor but did not win enough votes in parliament, usually a symbolic step.

The leaders of France, Germany and the UK met on Friday aboard a train travelling from Poland to Ukraine. The three will be in Kyiv on Saturday as calls intensify for Russia to agree a ceasefire and come to the negotiating table.

Germany's new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed on the need to quickly resolve trade disputes in their first phone call since Merz took office earlier this week, a German government spokesperson said.

Supporters of Mr. Merz, a former corporate lawyer, say he is well-prepared and thoughtful, but critics accuse him of failing to think more than one step ahead and breaking promises.

Friedrich Merz has plunged straight into international crises on his first full day as Germany’s new chancellor. He presented a united front with France against U.S.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has issued a powerful ultimatum to Russia President Vladimir Putin to either make real progress toward ending the Ukraine war this week—or face crippling new EU sanctions.