German opposition leader calls for Europe to adopt a 'language of power'

Chancellor Friedrich Merz, delivered a major foreign policy speech. He argued that Europe must learn to speak a 'language of power' to defend its interests and the rules-based international order, which he described as a 'joy of self-respect'.

In the same address, Merz rejected the idea of fast-tracking Ukraine's membership in the European Union, stating there is no 'concrete date' for accession. He also ruled out the need for Germany to hold separate talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.