'Europe on its own': Merz declares Pax Americana over, urges independent defence as US shifts focus

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has issued a stark warning, declaring that decades of 'Pax Americana' are over for Europe. Speaking on shifting transatlantic ties, Merz said the era of US-led security guarantees is fading and urged European nations to strengthen their own independent defence capabilities. His remarks signal a major turning point in Europe’s strategic outlook and raise urgent questions about NATO, US–EU relations, and Europe’s future security in an increasingly uncertain world.