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.

72 hours in the Gulf: Inside Chancellor Merz’s mission to wean Germany off US dependence

Jakub Bielamowicz · 6 February 2026, 15:23

In an intense three‑day diplomatic blitz across Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi from February 4 to 6, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is pursuing energy supplies, Gulf investments, and defence agreements. His overarching aim: reducing Germany’s strategic reliance on the United States and China. Merz argues that as global politics becomes increasingly dominated by major powers, Berlin requires a wider network of partners to mitigate its vulnerabilities.

Energy is at the heart of the Chancellor’s Gulf push. After losing access to Russian pipeline gas, Germany quickly shifted to liquefied natural gas (LNG). In 2025 alone, the country imported 1,031 TWh of natural gas, about 10 % of which arrived via LNG terminals, with a striking 96 % of that LNG sourced from the United States. Berlin is now actively seeking to secure additional supplies from the Gulf region to balance its energy portfolio, while also investing in long‑term strategic initiatives such as green hydrogen. Supporters argue this approach is essential for genuine diversification, but critics caution it may simply shift strategic leverage from Washington to another set of external suppliers.

Economy Minister Katherina Reiche prepared the ground in Saudi Arabia, arriving ahead of the Chancellor with a high‑level business delegation to finalize agreements on energy projects, innovation, deep technology, and AI. Merz is also actively courting sovereign‑wealth funds to deepen economic ties. Qatar already holds major stakes in German champions such as Volkswagen and RWE, and Merz notes that German‑Saudi bilateral trade, currently valued at around €11 billion, continues to grow steadily. Consequently, he is pushing for the restart of EU‑Gulf free‑trade negotiations.

The most delicate issue remains defence exports. Chancellor Merz has signaled a shift toward less restrictive and more predictable arms‑export policies. German media report Saudi Arabia’s growing interest in Airbus’s A400M transport aircraft, alongside renewed inquiries into the Eurofighter Typhoon. Yet relations with Riyadh have been strained since the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a stark reminder that diversification often carries its own political costs.

A parallel agenda focuses on Iran. Merz insists Tehran must end domestic violence, halt its military nuclear programme, and cease destabilising actions in the region. Speaking in Doha, he cited “great concern” regarding regional escalation and urged Iran to return to the negotiating table.