BERLIN
Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized Germany's interdependence with the EU in a speech marking the 35th anniversary of German reunification, saying the nation's prosperity is directly tied to Europe's success.
"We are only strong together in Europe. Or we are weak as individual states," Merz declared in a significant address on Friday. "In Germany, we know that when Europe is doing well, Germany is also doing well. And when Europe is not doing well, then Germany is doing disproportionately poorly."
Merz delivered the remarks during celebrations in the western German city of Saarbrucken commemorating the 35th anniversary of German reunification. French President Emmanuel Macron attended the event as the guest of honor.
Merz highlighted the critical importance of democratic rights and the rule of law in tackling current political and social challenges. He also emphasized that Germany must enhance its economic competitiveness and further deepen European integration to secure its future prosperity.
“Our economic strength also begins today with European policy and foreign policy. We must counter a new wave of protectionism in the world,” Merz said, stressing that the EU must redefine its priorities, and focus on new markets. “And Europe must combine climate protection with the ambition to develop the world's most modern technologies for this purpose.”
'Decisive moment for Germany'
In his speech, Merz emphasized that Germany faces significant challenges amid growing global uncertainties, trade wars, and security threats amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
"We must learn to defend ourselves again. The world's centers of power are shifting on a scale we haven't seen since the end of the Cold War," Merz said. "An axis of autocratic states that is challenging the liberal order around the world is a real challenge to Western democracies. Therefore, we must regain the ability to defend our freedom."
Addressing the persistent political divisions between Germany's western and eastern regions, Merz called for a "new unity" that bridges differing political views to collectively tackle national challenges.
"We are experiencing the autumn of 2025 as a decisive moment for our country. Our nation is in the midst of a critical, perhaps defining phase in its modern history," Merz stated. "Let us seize this moment to create a new unity. Let us stand together for justice and freedom," he emphasized.
East-West division persists
German Unity Day marks the formal unification of the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) with the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) on Oct. 3, 1990, ending decades of Cold War division.
Despite 35 years of reunification, however, notable disparities between Germany's western regions and ex-communist eastern states continue, manifesting in economic development, political outlooks, and social attitudes.
A recent poll by the public broadcaster ARD revealed that 46% of people in Germany's eastern states are dissatisfied with reunification. In western states, the sentiment differs markedly—64% expressed satisfaction with reunification, while 31% reported being less satisfied or not satisfied at all.
Eastern Germany faces ongoing challenges, including accelerated population decline and an aging demographic. Its economy lags behind western regions, even after years of substantial federal investment.
In recent federal and regional elections, the far-right, anti-immigrant AfD party secured dramatically higher vote shares in eastern regions, establishing itself as the dominant political force across the five former communist federal states.