The presidents of the European Commission and the European Council, Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, congratulated Friedrich Merz on his election as German Chancellor, Agence France-Presse reported, quoted by BTA.
In a post on the social network "X", von der Leyen described Merz as "a connoisseur of Europe", adding: "Together we will work for a stronger and more competitive Europe." Antonio Costa, for his part, stressed that he was "looking forward to our cooperation on an ambitious common European program."
Merz also received congratulations from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who expressed hope that the new German Chancellor would play a more visible leadership role in Europe and in relations with the United States - "at a time when the future of Europe is at stake."
Friedrich Merz is known for his strong support for Ukraine. He is among those German politicians who insist on the possible delivery of long-range "Taurus" cruise missiles to Kiev. Germany is the second largest supplier of weapons to Ukraine after the United States, but Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly criticized former Chancellor Olaf Scholz for his refusal to provide these missiles, DPA notes.
Germany remains the leading economy in the European Union and a key player in common European and defense policy.