German Chancellor Merz says we are open to a new partnership with the US but we know we must shape our own fate

Chancellor Merz’s remarks signal a potential shift in Germany’s approach to US relations, emphasizing both openness to partnership and a desire for independence in decision-making.

Newsquawk StaffPublished 20 Feb 2026, 11:37 UTCOn the live feed at 11:17 UTC — 6 more headlines followed before this page went public

Newsquawk headlinesUTC

11:24

UK and European allies to construct low-cost air defence weapons to protect NATO skies

11:20

Commander of the Iranian Navy says "The effective and responsible presence of the naval forces ensures the stability and pathways of energy and vital trade", via Sky News Arabia

11:17

German Chancellor Merz says we are open to a new partnership with the US but we know we must shape our own fate

11:14

CK Hutchison (0001 HK) says it has requested the Panamanian Government to enter negotiations regarding the Co.'s continued operations of ports at both ends of the Panama canal

11:06

Citi multi-asset strategists downgraded Technology stocks to Neutral, aiming to diversify away from the Magnificent 7 and increasing stakes in US small caps

Open the platform and use it. The whole workspace is free to try, with no signup and no card. When you want the headlines arriving live instead of on a delay, Newsquawk Pro is £24.99 for 7 days.

Try the platform free

Free. No signup, no card.

Context

This could indicate a strategic realignment that may affect trade dynamics and influence investor sentiment towards European assets, especially if it leads to significant policy changes or new agreements. Market participants should watch for developments that could impact the transatlantic trade relationship.

All markets · last 90 days

Recent headlines that moved markets

ENERGY/3 Sept · 08:03 UTC

Russian President Putin says that Russia and Ukraine should agree first; he notes that there is an opportunity to reach a peace agreement.

with Brent Nov, after we published−1.3%

Energy prices fell following Russian President Putin's more conciliatory comments.

EQUITIES/3 Sept · 04:54 UTC

North Korea stripped references to "peaceful unification" with South Korea from the charter of its ruling Workers' Party of Korea, according to Yonhap.

Equity indices, after we published−3.3%

EQUITIES/1 Sept · 16:17 UTC

Initial reports of an American attack on Iran, reports i24's Stein.

ES, after we published−0.2%

ENERGY/1 Sept · 16:17 UTC

Initial reports of an American attack on Iran, reports i24's Stein.

- Brent (V6), after we published+1.2%

METALS/1 Sept · 08:06 UTC

Two oil supertankers were reportedly hit by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, reports citing Marisks suggest (details light)

Spot Gold, after we published−1.0%

FX/28 Aug · 14:00 UTC

Fed Chair Warsh says Fed has more work to do unless confident underlying inflation is moving towards 2% objective

DXY, after we published+0.5%

Newsquawk Daily

Get both market opens in your inbox.

This note and the other one — the EU open and the US open, every business day, written by the desk. No account needed.

Related headlines

The whole workspace, free to try.

© 2026 Newsquawk. All rights reserved.