Germany's Friedrich Merz made clear Friday that Berlin was back at the European top table, ready to help steer the bloc at a time of dizzying challenges, as the new chancellor made his maiden visit to Brussels.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz did not rule out common European Union borrowing for defence during a trip to Brussels on Friday, but said it must be for exceptional circumstances and voiced concern about rising global debt.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday called for the cancellation of the European Union's supply chain law during his inaugural visit to Brussels as head of government. "We will revoke the national law in Germany.

The leaders of Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Poland have arrived in Kyiv for key meetings with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, a symbol of a united European position to publicly pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The leaders of four European countries have arrived in Kyiv as calls intensify for Russia to agree to a monthlong ceasefire in the war

The leaders of Britain, France, Germany and Poland met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for talks in Kyiv on Saturday in a show of unity a day after Russia's Vladimir Putin hosted his allies at a Victory Day parade in Red Square.

European shares extended gains on Friday, with Germany's DAX index closing at an all-time high, as signs of easing global trade war relieved investors as they looked ahead to discussions between the U.

European stocks closed higher on Friday as investors look forward to the U.S.-China trade talks set to begin this weekend in Switzerland.