German Finance Minister Urges EU Unity Over National Interests

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil on Monday called on European Union unity and urged member states to stop prioritising national interests in order to strengthen the bloc’s economic influence and political standing.

Speaking ahead of a meeting of EU finance ministers in Brussels, Klingbeil said Europe was facing a decisive moment that demanded stronger cooperation and quicker decisions.

He argued that repeated delays caused by national vetoes and internal divisions were limiting the EU’s ability to respond to geopolitical challenges, economic competition and security risks.

• German Finance Minister urges EU unity over national interests
• EU6 initiative aims to push stalled projects and strengthen Europe
• Klingbeil stresses Europe must act together amid global challenges

Klingbeil said Germany was prepared to make compromises if it helped the bloc move forward. “Europe can only succeed if we act together,” he said, warning that national reflexes risk weakening the EU’s global standing.

His remarks come as the European Union debates reforms aimed at boosting EU competitiveness, securing supply chains and increasing defence spending. Policymakers have increasingly acknowledged that fragmented approaches have slowed progress on long-standing projects, including deeper capital market integration and coordinated industrial policy.

Discussions on Monday also focused on cooperation within a smaller group of large member states, often referred to as the EU6 initiative, which includes Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland and the Netherlands. The group aims to push forward initiatives that have stalled among the EU’s 27 members, particularly in areas such as creating a savings and investment union and improving access to funding for European companies.

Klingbeil pointed to recent geopolitical tensions, including disputes involving major global powers, as a reminder that Europe cannot afford disunity. He said external pressure should serve as a warning that Europe must rely more on its own strength and act with a common voice.

Also Read: Canada Appoints Janice Charette as U.S. Chief Trade Negotiator

The next meeting of the EU6 is scheduled for March, where finance ministers are expected to discuss measures to strengthen the euro’s international role and improve coordination on defence-related investments. Klingbeil said progress in these areas would depend on member states being willing to look beyond domestic interests and commit to shared European goals.