72 Hours in the Gulf: Inside Chancellor Merz’s Mission to Wean Germany Off US Dependence

Why It Matters

Diversifying energy and defence partners strengthens Germany's strategic autonomy and mitigates geopolitical risk, while expanding Gulf economic ties reshapes European trade patterns.

Key Takeaways

• Germany seeks Gulf LNG to cut US gas reliance
• Trade with Saudi Arabia hits €11 billion, free‑trade talks restart
• Defence exports pivot to predictable policies, targeting Saudi aircraft
• Sovereign‑wealth funds eye stakes in German tech firms
• Iran pressure includes human rights and nuclear concerns

Pulse Analysis

Germany’s energy strategy has entered a new phase after the abrupt end of Russian pipeline supplies. In 2025 the country imported over a thousand terawatt‑hours of gas, with the vast majority of its liquefied natural gas sourced from the United States. Chancellor Merz’s Gulf tour is designed to replace that dependency with diversified LNG contracts from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, while simultaneously investing in long‑term green‑hydrogen projects that align with Europe’s climate goals. This shift not only broadens supply options but also reduces the political leverage Washington holds over Berlin’s energy security.

Economic diplomacy formed the second pillar of Merz’s visit. Economy Minister Katherina Reiche arrived ahead of the Chancellor with a delegation of CEOs and tech leaders to negotiate joint ventures in artificial intelligence, deep‑technology and renewable innovation. Sovereign‑wealth funds from Qatar and Saudi Arabia are eyeing stakes in German champions such as Volkswagen and RWE, and bilateral trade with Saudi Arabia now exceeds €11 billion. By reviving EU‑Gulf free‑trade negotiations, Berlin hopes to embed these commercial ties into a broader regional framework, creating a resilient supply chain that can weather geopolitical shocks.

The defence component adds a delicate layer to the outreach. Merz signalled a move toward more predictable arms‑export rules, courting Saudi interest in Airbus A400M transports and Eurofighter Typhoons despite lingering political sensitivities after the Khashoggi murder. At the same time, the Chancellor used Doha to press Iran on human‑rights abuses and its nuclear programme, underscoring a dual strategy of engagement and containment. Together, these initiatives illustrate Germany’s ambition to craft a multi‑vector foreign policy that lessens reliance on any single superpower while expanding its influence across the Gulf region.