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.

Ukraine and European leaders agreed on Saturday to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting Monday with the backing of President Donald Trump, threatening President Vladimir Putin with new "massive" sanctions if he failed to comply.

They said that if President Vladimir V. Putin did not agree to the cease-fire, more sanctions would be imposed.

The announcement was made by leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Poland and Ukraine after a meeting in Kyiv, and a phone call with President Trump.

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.