German Chancellor Mertz said that some elements in the new national security strategy announced by the US last week were unacceptable to Europe, and suggested that Trump avoid acting alone. The German conservative leader said that considering that Vice President JD Vance lashed out at Europe during his February speech in Munich and advocated “America First,” he was not surprised by the release of this strategic document. Mertz told reporters during his visit to Mainz on Tuesday that some elements of the new strategy “are understandable, but from a European perspective, some elements are unacceptable to us.” Mainz is about 80 km from the US Ramstein Air Force Base. “This confirms my judgment that we Europeans, including the Germans, must be more independent of the US in terms of security policies,” he added, adding that “America First” is reasonable, but “America alone” is not in America's interest. “You also need partners in the world, and Europe can be one of them,” Mertz said. “If you can't deal with Europe, then at least let Germany be your partner. That's the direction I'm working towards.”

German Chancellor Mertz said that some elements in the new national security strategy announced by the US last week were unacceptable to Europe, and suggested that Trump avoid acting alone. The German conservative leader said that considering that Vice President JD Vance lashed out at Europe during his February speech in Munich and advocated “America First,” he was not surprised by the release of this strategic document. Mertz told reporters during his visit to Mainz on Tuesday that some elements of the new strategy “are understandable, but from a European perspective, some elements are unacceptable to us.” Mainz is about 80 km from the US Ramstein Air Force Base. “This confirms my judgment that we Europeans, including the Germans, must be more independent of the US in terms of security policies,” he added, adding that “America First” is reasonable, but “America alone” is not in America's interest. “You also need partners in the world, and Europe can be one of them,” Mertz said. “If you can't deal with Europe, then at least let Germany be your partner. That's the direction I'm working towards.”