Merz addresses MPs ahead of EU summit

Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s speech came after his spokesman reported a “constructive” atmosphere in talks with unions and employers over the planned reforms.

The three-and-a-half-hour meeting on Wednesday evening ended without any decision but with an agreement to continue the discussion, officials said.

Government spokesman Stephen Cornelius said the talks focused on the labor market, social security, cutting bureaucracy and tax policy.

Participants agreed that Germany faces major challenges, including technological change, demographic change and the global crisis, which require decisive action to boost growth and jobs.

There was also widespread agreement that social systems needed to be reformed and bureaucracy should be reduced.

Business groups and unions indicated they are ready to support the reform process, with further talks planned, but details remain unclear.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is due to make an official statement in the lower house of parliament about the upcoming EU summit.

After the speech, MPs will debate his comments for an hour.

The summit in Brussels next week is expected to focus on Ukraine, the Middle East and the EU’s long-term budget for 2028-2034.

Following the debate, Parliament will consider several government bills, including changes to anti-discrimination legislation and the expansion of Bundeswehr foreign missions.

MPs are also set to vote on tax-related changes in the evening and discuss a proposal to suspend a planned pay rise for MPs.

good day From DW’s newsroom in Bonn.

Join us just before German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s speech to the Bundestag, the lower house of Germany’s parliament.

The address is a routine affair before the summit of EU leaders. This time the meeting in Brussels is expected to focus on Ukraine and the bloc’s long-term budget plans.

Stay tuned here to know more about this story and what Germany is talking about today.