German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed increased optimism regarding NATO's future. This comes after previously questioning its viability due to the US administration's stance under President Donald Trump.
Merz cited the growing acceptance of European NATO partners' contributions as the reason for his changed outlook. He anticipates a successful joint strategy with the US at the upcoming NATO summit in June.
However, Merz stated that Ukraine's NATO membership is unlikely in the near future. He believes it will only occur after Ukraine joins the EU, a process expected to take several years.