German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has sought to clarify the impression left after his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, during which Trump made pointed criticisms of Spain and the United Kingdom. This joint appearance in the Oval Office surprised leaders across Europe, as Merz, representing the most powerful country in the European Union, remained silent during Trump's remarks. Following the public event, Merz made statements to German media indicating that he did in fact advocate for both Spain and the UK in a private conversation with Trump, emphasizing that a bilateral agreement should not exclude these European partners.

In his statements, Merz articulated that he clearly told Trump that it was not acceptable to negotiate deals that included Germany or the broader European Union while leaving Spain out. This was essential, as Merz highlighted the importance of maintaining solidarity among European allies, particularly in the face of potentially divisive unilateral agreements sought by the U.S. administration. The underlying message was one of unity and mutual respect among European nations, despite recent tensions.

The reactions from other European leaders have been supportive of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, with leaders such as Portugal's Costa and France's Macron expressing their full solidarity with Spain. This incident has highlighted the delicate nature of transatlantic relations, as European leaders navigate the complexities of dealing with U.S. policy while safeguarding the interests of their individual nations. Merz's attempt to clarify his position reflects broader concerns about the need for a unified European voice in the face of external pressure from the U.S.