German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that the world is entering a period of historic instability comparable to earlier eras shaped by major global conflicts and geopolitical upheaval.
In remarks reported by German media, Merz said the international order is undergoing a “deep historic rupture,” describing the moment as the kind of transformation experienced only once in a generation.
“We, the generation born after the Second World War, have until now simply been fortunate,” Merz said, according to the reports. He added that, 80 years after the end of World War II, Europe is now confronting the type of uncertainty previous generations faced regularly.
The German leader said the decades-long period of relative stability after 1945 is coming to an end and argued that Europe must adapt to a new era of global power competition and strategic insecurity.
His comments come amid growing concerns across Europe over the war in Ukraine, deteriorating relations with Russia, rising tensions involving China, shifts in US foreign policy and continuing instability in the Middle East.
Germany and several European governments have recently increased defence spending and expanded security cooperation in response to fears of long-term geopolitical instability and declining certainty around traditional security guarantees.
Meanwhile, Merz’s remarks reflected a broader shift in Berlin’s foreign and security policy, with European leaders increasingly calling for stronger military capabilities and greater strategic independence.