Germany's Friedrich Merz began his maiden visit to Brussels Friday with expectations riding high that the changing of the guard in Berlin can bring fresh momentum to Europe at a time of dizzying global challenges.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has met top EU officials, promising that Europe's biggest economy was back to help steer the bloc at a tough time. Follow DW for our latest updates on news from and about Germany.

Conservative leader Friedrich Merz has been elected as Germany’s chancellor — hours after he failed to win the first round in parliament in a historic defeat. Mr Merz, 69, who succeeds Olaf Scholz, has vowed to prioritise European unity and the continent’s security as it grapples with the new Trump administration and Russia’s war on Ukraine.