Berlin: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul rejected the idea of Europe fully distancing itself from the United States, saying Europe should strengthen its sovereignty without undermining the transatlantic alliance.

According to Qatar News Agency, he stated that without the U.S., Europe would lack sufficient defense capabilities, nuclear, conventional, and intelligence, and stressed that Washington remains fully integrated in NATO. Wadephul added that Europe should respond positively to U.S. efforts to reinforce the alliance while investing more to enhance its own defense capacity.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently called for renewing transatlantic ties through a stronger European pillar.