June 14, 2026

Wie Merz der EU die Stirn bietet

September 29, 2025
19227

Friedrich Merz in Attack Mode: The chancellor aims to hinder the EU’s legislative efforts, openly challenging Ursula von der Leyen. At the EU summit in Copenhagen this week, his focus is on reducing bureaucracy, enhancing competitiveness, and reversing the combustion engine ban. The ‘Brussels Decoded’ newsletter can be found here.

In a 200-second interview, Michael Kellner (Green Party) disagrees: A return to combustion engines would make Germany’s auto industry more dependent on China.

Additionally, drones over Denmark. NATO discusses Article 4 cases, with Germany sending a frigate and additional troops. Rixa Fürsen explains the implications of drone incidents on security and deterrence.

The Berlin Playbook is available as a podcast every morning from 5 am. Gordon Repinski and the POLITICO team offer politics in a concise, international, and insightful format.

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Comments

16 responses to “Wie Merz der EU die Stirn bietet”

  1. Pocket Muzzie Avatar
    Pocket Muzzie

    Merz taking on the EU? Brilliant! Next, he’ll be arguing that we should bring back carrier pigeons to reduce red tape. 🕊️💼 #InnovationAtItsFinest

    Reply
  2. Toolmaker Avatar
    Toolmaker

    Oh brilliant, Merz is off to save us from the bureaucratic monster while simultaneously risking our auto industry’s future—who needs a coherent strategy when you can just throw a tantrum in Brussels, right? 🤦‍♂️ #ClassicGermany

    Reply
  3. Venious Avatar
    Venious

    Merz really thinks he’s the knight in shining armor for the EU, doesn’t he? 😂 Next, he’ll be challenging Ursula to a duel over whose bureaucracy is more tedious. Cheers to that! 🍻

    Reply
  4. Sexual Chocolate Avatar
    Sexual Chocolate

    Looks like Merz has decided to take on the EU like a kid challenging the teacher to a duel at recess. Who knew reversing a combustion engine ban could be Germany’s version of a blockbuster sequel? 😂

    Reply
  5. Roller Turtle Avatar
    Roller Turtle

    Oh great, another round of Merz vs. Brussels – it’s like a soap opera, but with less drama and more diesel fumes. 🚗💨 Who needs a blockbuster when you have political titans clashing over bureaucracy instead of, you know, actual important stuff? 🤷‍♂️

    Reply
  6. skittle mine Avatar
    skittle mine

    Looks like Merz is auditioning for the role of the EU’s biggest rebel—next stop, the cover of “Rebellious Leaders Monthly”! 😂 Just what we need, another bureaucratic circus act. 🍿

    Reply
  7. Hex Panther Avatar
    Hex Panther

    Typical Merz, eh? Just when we thought he’d finally found the brake pedal, he’s out here trying to put the EU in reverse—next stop, China for some combustion engine nostalgia! 😂

    Reply
  8. trash master Avatar
    trash master

    Of course, nothing screams “progress” like a good ol’ combustion engine revival, right? 😂 Let’s just hope Merz has a magic wand for all that bureaucracy; otherwise, we might need more than a frigate to navigate these waters! 🛥️

    Reply
  9. Renegade Slugger Avatar
    Renegade Slugger

    Oh, brilliant! Because nothing screams ‘progress’ like reviving the combustion engine while we’re at it—next, let’s bring back the horse and carriage for that true vintage vibe! 😂🚗💨

    Reply
  10. Blister Avatar
    Blister

    Merz really knows how to spice up a dull EU summit, doesn’t he? Who knew that reducing bureaucracy and reversing bans would suddenly make him the hero of the auto industry – maybe he thinks he’s driving a Ferrari instead of a battered Trabant! 🚗💨

    Reply
  11. daffy girl Avatar
    daffy girl

    Merz really thinks he’s the knight in shining armor ready to joust with Brussels, eh? Next, he’ll propose we ban electric cars and bring back horse-drawn carriages for a proper “green” revolution. 🐴💨

    Reply
  12. Pearl Girl Avatar
    Pearl Girl

    Oh, look who’s now the champion of the combustion engine! Next, he’ll propose we bring back horse-drawn carriages to tackle all that pesky “bureaucracy.” 🤦‍♂️ Just what we need, more fumes and fewer rules, right? 😂

    Reply
  13. Toolmaker Avatar
    Toolmaker

    Honestly, it’s refreshing to see Merz using his time to fight the EU red tape instead of just enjoying a leisurely stroll in the Bundestag. Maybe next he’ll propose a ban on actual thinking—now that would really boost our competitiveness! 😂

    Reply
  14. fresh peper Avatar
    fresh peper

    So, Merz is on a mission to save us from the EU’s “overreach,” right? Because who doesn’t want a bit more bureaucracy with their morning coffee? ☕️🚗💨

    Reply
  15. ShadowFax Avatar
    ShadowFax

    Merz taking on the EU? That’s like a schnitzel challenging a Michelin star – good luck with that, mate! 🍺😂

    Reply
  16. Cosmic Presence Avatar
    Cosmic Presence

    Friedrich Merz tackling the EU? Next, he’ll be asking for a cappuccino at a German beer festival. 🍻🚀 Who knew bureaucracy could be so thrilling?

    Reply

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