Friedrich Merz did not rule out common European Union borrowing for defence on Friday during his first trip to Brussels as German chancellor, but said it could only be for exceptional circumstances and that he was worried about rising global debt.

Germany's Friedrich Merz made clear Friday that Berlin was back at the European top table, ready to help steer the bloc at a time of dizzying challenges, as the new chancellor made his maiden visit to Brussels.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday called for the cancellation of the European Union's supply chain law during his inaugural visit to Brussels as head of government. "We will revoke the national law in Germany.

European stocks closed higher on Friday as investors look forward to the U.S.-China trade talks set to begin this weekend in Switzerland.

European shares extended gains on Friday, with Germany's DAX index closing at an all-time high, as signs of easing global trade war relieved investors as they looked ahead to discussions between the U.