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.

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.

Supporters of Mr. Merz, a former corporate lawyer, say he is well-prepared and thoughtful, but critics accuse him of failing to think more than one step ahead and breaking promises.