Merkel called on Europe to engage in dialogue with Russia and to become more self-reliant

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Europe to pursue dialogue with Russia and to become more independent in international affairs.

Merkel made these points at a reception at Hamburg City Hall.

According to her, the European Union should take part, as an independent force, in negotiations on key global political issues on an equal footing with the United States, including the war in Ukraine.

Merkel recalled that back in 2021 she considered it a mistake to leave talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin solely to the United States.

“We must not leave such meetings to the discretion of the United States alone. After all, this concerns Europe’s vital interests,” the former chancellor said.

She wants the EU to “act as Ukraine’s military supporter against the aggressor Russia—which is important and indispensable—but also use its diplomatic power to end this aggressive war.”

Only in that case, Merkel added, “will we achieve what we want: that Russia does not win the war and that Ukraine has a future as a sovereign state in peace and freedom.”

She also urged European countries to strengthen economic and technological independence “so that the EU can act as a single global actor and defend its interests and values.” She did not specify whom Europe should depend on less, but it appears she primarily meant the United States.

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron had also spoken in favor of direct negotiations with Russia. However, Germany’s current chancellor, Friedrich Merz (incidentally, Merkel’s fellow party member in the CDU), rejected such calls.

In addition, Merz said he does not believe the ongoing peace talks will be effective. He believes the war in Ukraine may end only when one side’s resources are exhausted.