Merz solidifies EU standing but fails to overcome structural handicap

Eighteen months into office, German Chancellor Merz has established a stronger position in EU affairs than his predecessor Scholz or French President Macron, according to Süddeutsche Zeitung. However, a persistent structural weakness—likely domestic coalition constraints or limited fiscal flexibility—continues to limit his influence. The report signals a shift in intra-EU power dynamics favoring Berlin, but underscores unresolved limitations on German leadership.