By Paul Kirby, Europe Digital Editor
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has openly acknowledged that Europe had long depended too heavily on the United States for its defense, but says that era is ending. In an interview with the BBC’s Today programme, Merz said Europe has heard the U.S.’s call to do more.

“We’ve been free-riders in the past,” Merz admitted. “But we understand now that we need to take more responsibility. The Americans asked us to step up—and we are stepping up.”

Merz was in the UK this week to deepen defense cooperation as part of a new UK-Germany friendship treaty. The agreement not only reinforces security ties but also covers irregular migration, youth exchanges, and potential infrastructure projects such as a London-Berlin rail link.

Since taking office in May, Merz has been quickly immersed in pressing issues—Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, and looming U.S. tariffs on European Union exports set to take effect on August 1. He has already met U.S. President Donald Trump three times, and says they now speak weekly.

“We’re coordinating closely—on Ukraine and on trade,” Merz said, noting that despite past criticism, he and Trump are now aligned in seeking to end the war in Ukraine.

On defense, Merz has moved swiftly. Even before officially becoming chancellor, he championed constitutional changes to dramatically increase German military spending. “Our army isn’t strong enough,” he told the BBC, “and that’s why we’re investing heavily.”

A long-time supporter of Ukraine, Merz traveled to Kyiv days after his swearing-in, accompanied by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. “Russia isn’t just threatening Ukraine,” he warned. “It’s threatening the peace and democratic order of all of Europe.”

His stance has helped revive European defense collaboration, particularly through a new three-way alliance between the UK, Germany, and France—known as the E3. This group will tackle security, economic growth, and foreign policy together.

Merz described his relationship with Starmer as “very close” and confirmed that Macron would soon visit Berlin. France and Germany have already signed a comprehensive defense treaty, and the new UK-Germany pact completes a strategic triangle among Europe’s three biggest powers.

The bilateral treaty, signed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, reaffirms mutual defense commitments between the UK and Germany—reminiscent of pre-Brexit arrangements under the EU and NATO.

In terms of joint projects, German and British defense industries already collaborate on key military systems such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and Boxer armored vehicles. New cooperative export efforts are expected to generate billions. A long-range missile with a 2,000km range is also in development, and Merz promised increased long-range support for Ukraine.

Despite his pro-U.S. outlook, Merz hasn’t shied away from criticism. On election night, he called Trump’s earlier administration “largely indifferent to Europe’s fate.” Asked if he still holds that view, Merz replied: “Yes. He’s not as clear or committed as previous presidents.”

Merz acknowledged that America is increasingly focused on Asia, and that Europe must become more self-reliant in defense and foreign affairs.

On trade, the EU faces a critical moment. U.S. tariffs of up to 30% could hit EU exports unless a deal is struck. European negotiator Maroš Šefčovič has been in Washington trying to prevent the tariffs from being imposed. “Those tariffs would be devastating for our exporters,” Merz said. “But I believe President Trump understands that and is open to compromise.”

The UK, no longer an EU member, has largely avoided the tariff threats.

Beyond security and trade, the UK-Germany treaty includes a commitment from Berlin to criminalize the storage of small boats used for illegal Channel crossings—a move prompted by a BBC investigation. Merz pledged rapid action to push the legislation through after the summer recess.

Looking ahead, the chancellor said he hoped the first visible impact of the treaty would be felt by young people. With plans for student exchanges and joint projects, Merz emphasized that the next generation should “lead the way” in strengthening UK-German ties post-Brexit.