Germany's election winner Friedrich Merz warned the United States on Monday against turning its back on allies but also urged Europeans to build up their own defence capabilities, saying it was now "five minutes to midnight for Europe".

Merz expressed concern over changing relations with Washington under the Trump administration, emphasizing the need for gradual independence from the U.S.

Friedrich Merz, who is set to become the new German chancellor, has vowed to prioritise European unity and the continent’s security as it grapples with the new Trump administration and Russia’s war on Ukraine.