Merz has not supported major European defense funds—only 150 billion in loans which is marginal compared to broader national rearmament efforts—and has supported an explicit deregulation/bureaucratic simplification agenda that risks spurring European disintegration, particularly on climate and digital regulations.
factualpending
Speaker
Nathalie TocciEvidence Quote
“there hasn't been support for major European funds. Yes, indeed, there's 150 billion in loans, but frankly speaking, if you compare it to the broader national rearmament effort, it's still a very marginal share... he has... supported a very sort of explicit... deregulation under the guise of bureaucratic simplification agenda, rowing back on key legislation particularly when it comes to climate, when it comes to digital”
Source
Nathalie Tocci and Matthias Matthijs: Are Europe and the United States Finally Heading For Divorce?— Foreign AffairsCreated: 8/12/2026, 6:08:35 PM
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