# German chancellor says unconditional transatlantic friendship may be over

https://mins.news/en/item/63196

- TASS, 2026-09-17 19:42 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://tass.com/world/2189273

> German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said relations between Berlin and Washington are undergoing fundamental changes and that the era of unconditional transatlantic friendship may be over for a long time. He urged Germany to seize the opportunity to take greater responsibility, particularly through sharply higher defense spending.

## Related coverage

- [Germany’s Merz vows to press on with reforms despite state election losses to far-right AfD](https://mins.news/en/item/66454) — CBC News, 2026-09-20
- [Germany’s security gamble: More than an arms deal? | Berlin Briefing Podcast](https://mins.news/en/video/62260) — DW News, 2026-09-17
- [German Chancellor Cancels New York Trip Amid Political Pressure, Source Says](https://mins.news/en/item/59686) — Reuters, 2026-09-15
