Frontrunner for chancellor expresses doubts over US Nato commitments, with the far-right AfD set for its best result

As the war enters its fourth year, the U.S. is no longer aligned with the Ukrainian cause or with its NATO allies, and European leaders are bracing for a post-U.S. alliance. Driving the news: Friedrich Merz,

Germany's conservative leader Friedrich Merz said on Thursday the U.S. was at risk of sliding into longer-term authoritarian instability, casting doubt on Washington's presence for Germany’s 70th NATO membership anniversary in May.

Europe will need to defend itself and can no longer rely on the US, says man likely to become next German chancellor

The likely next chancellor is unpopular, and his country’s economy has stalled. But his penchant for risks could help lead to a European showdown with President Trump.

Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's mainstream conservatives, has said that Europe must become independent from the United States in security matters, after his grouping won the biggest share of the vote in federal elections.

Before he has formed a coalition, or even been declared chancellor, the winner of Germany’s snap election has quickly assumed an even more critical role – that of Europe’s de facto leader… and, says Mary Dejevsky,

Germany's potential next Chancellor Friedrich Merz questions NATO's future due to U.S. President Trump's statements. Merz suggests Europe must quickly build its own defense capabilities as the U.S. refocuses its security priorities.

Germany’s mainstream conservatives led by Friedrich Merz won the country’s national election, ensuring that Ukraine has an even stronger supporter in the European Union’s largest country and

Chancellor-in-waiting may ask for shelter under UK and France’s nuclear umbrella as he calls for Europe to build up its defence capabilities

BERLIN — The opposition conservatives led by Friedrich Merz won a lackluster victory in ... 27-nation European Union and a leading member of NATO. It has been Ukraine’s second-biggest weapons ...