BERLIN

Germany's conservative chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz has called on Europeans to present a united and confident front in dealing with US President Donald Trump.

Speaking at a campaign event in Flensburg late Monday, the center-right CDU’s leader said Trump would likely begin signing executive orders, including measures that could be unfavorable to Germany and the EU.

He emphasized that Europeans must address Trump’s “America First” policy with unity and resolve. “It's a matter of self-confidence,” Merz declared. “If you make yourself appear like a dwarf, you will be treated as a dwarf. The Americans are unforgiving in this regard.”

Merz pointed out that European Union's population of 450 million exceeds that of US and Canada combined. He also acknowledged past European shortcomings, particularly in security and defense policy.

Trump, who has returned to the White House, has repeatedly criticized European allies for not meeting NATO's defense spending targets and threatened to withdraw the US from NATO. His criticism of US military aid to Ukraine has sparked concern among European allies about America's future support. Trump's proposed steep tariffs on foreign imports are especially worrying for Berlin, since the US remains Germany's largest export market.