- Germany's vice chancellor and finance minister publicly calls for closer EU coordination with Canada, the UK, and other like-minded partners to reduce dependence on the US and China.
- The push is driven by shifting US policy under Donald Trump, Russia's war in Ukraine, and broader global instability.
- The initiative aims to bolster European resilience and sovereignty, with potential implications for supply chains, trade, and security coordination.
A shift in strategy
Germany's finance minister and vice chancellor, Lars Klingbeil, on Thursday argued that Europe must build wider “like-minded” alliances to reduce its dependence on major powers. Speaking at a conference in Berlin, Klingbeil said that Europe's vulnerabilities had been exposed by the unpredictability of US policy under Donald Trump, Russia's war in Ukraine, and intensifying global competition. He pointed to growing cooperation with countries including Canada, India, Australia, and Mercosur nations as a way to strengthen Europe's economic and security footing.
“We need to act more confidently and build our own capacity to weather shocks,” Klingbeil said, according to people familiar with his remarks. He cited Europe's united response to Trump's recent threats over Greenland as a model for how a coordinated stance can yield results.
The comments come as Germany steps up its push for “European resilience” across economic, security, and societal domains. The ministry has signaled that the direction aligns with existing EU efforts to diversify supply chains in critical sectors, including batteries, energy transition inputs, and raw materials.
Minilateral cooperation
A key element of the new push is building structured partnerships with countries that share Europe's strategic interests. Klingbeil highlighted Canada, the UK, and others as natural partners, particularly in areas where US cooperation is less reliable. This approach mirrors existing EU-Canada collaboration on critical raw materials, which Berlin views as a template for broader engagement.
“The world is changing, and we need to adapt,” Klingbeil said. “That means not waiting for others to lead, but building the alliances we need.”
The call also reflects a broader debate within Europe about how to respond to the Trump administration's transactional approach to foreign policy. While the US remains a key ally, officials in Berlin say Europe must be prepared to act independently when necessary.
Implications for business and security
If implemented, the alliance-building effort could reshape Europe's supply chains and trade relationships. Businesses, especially manufacturers and exporters, may face new rules or incentives tied to partner-country sourcing. Meanwhile, security coordination is likely to deepen with Canada and the UK, though specific commitments remain under discussion.
Klingbeil's remarks underscore a broader German push for European sovereignty that has gained momentum in recent years. The country has long advocated for a more united and assertive EU, and the current moment appears to be accelerating that vision.
Reached for comment, representatives for the finance ministry declined to elaborate further. An official familiar with the matter said concrete proposals are expected in the coming months.
This story has been updated to reflect additional context on supply chain cooperation.