The Latest Breaking News from Friedrich Merz

Germany's next foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, is a former soldier, trained lawyer and conservative MP who has long been a strong supporter of military backing for Ukraine as it fights Russia's invasion.

Recent proposals put forward in countries such as Sweden, Finland and Germany reflect wider shift, say analysts

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has topped a national poll for the first time, prompting the popular Bild newspaper to carry the headline: “AfD breaks the magic barrier”. The poll put the AfD on 26% and the Christian democratic CDU/CSU on 25%.

While Germany's chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz is already plagued by criticism and sinking poll numbers at home, his EU partners are eagerly awaiting him on the Brussels scene. They expect him to replace the dullness of his predecessor with strong leadership - and Merz is willing to deliver.

Call for greater protection for asylum seekers and policies targeting rightwing violence as report sounds ‘alarm bell’

World leaders hail legacy of compassion and humility as they mourn the Argentinian pontiff.

The EU, the world’s biggest single market, can reposition itself and become less reliant on exporting goods to the US and China, says Paul Taylor of the European Policy Centre

Trump praises Italian PM and accepts invitation that could present chance to meet other European leaders

The spectre of a transatlantic trade war is also fuelling hopes of a silver lining in Europe: that a commerce deal with four South American countries could get a final green light despite longstanding French opposition.

Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz has plans to visit Warsaw before expected new Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to be sworn in in the first week of May. What does his visit mean for Polish-German relations?

European allies cheered the CDU leader's announcement, while a key would-be coalition partner appeared to try to argue against the suggestion.