German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said Europe is facing a period of uncertainty driven by economic pressures, social concerns and geopolitical risks during a Bloomberg Television interview in Berlin on Monday (19 Oct).
Merz said rising energy costs, inflation and housing expenses were contributing to public anxiety, describing the situation as “a composition of uncertainty” and “anxiousness” among citizens concerned about the future.
The Chancellor said his greatest concern was what he described as the “underestimated Russian impact on our societies” linked to the war in Ukraine.
Merz argued that Russia’s objectives extend beyond territorial ambitions, stating that “this goes far beyond” Ukraine and warning of efforts to undermine “democracy, open societies and the success of European integration”.
The comments reflect wider geopolitical debates across Europe over security, democratic resilience and the impact of the war in Ukraine. European governments continue to assess defence priorities and relations with Russia while addressing domestic economic pressures.
Russia has repeatedly rejected allegations that it seeks to undermine European democracies. At the Valdai Discussion Club on 1 October 2026, President Vladimir Putin argued that some European leaders were using warnings about Russia to divert public attention from domestic economic and political challenges
ℹ️ Bloomberg
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