Germany news: Merz addresses lawmakers ahead of EU summit

Germany news: Merz addresses lawmakers ahead of EU summit June 11, 2026What you need to know - Chancellor Friedrich Merz is about to address lawmakers ahead of a key EU summit - Members of parliament are set to debate both foreign policy and major domestic reforms - The speech comes after the chancellor met unions and business leaders to discuss proposed social and economic reforms Here are the latest headlines from Germany on Thursday, June 11: Berlin reports 'constructive' tone in reform talks Chancellor Friedrich Merz's speech comes after his spokesman reported a "constructive" atmosphere in talks with unions and employers on planned reforms. Officials said the three-and-a-half-hour meeting on Wednesday evening ended without decisions but with agreement to continue discussions. Government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius said talks focused on the labor market, social security, cutting bureaucracy and tax policy. Participants agreed Germany faces major challenges, including technological change, demographic shifts and global crises, requiring decisive steps to boost growth and jobs. There was also broad agreement that social systems need reform and bureaucracy must be reduced. Business groups and unions signaled they are ready to support the reform process, with further talks planned, but the details remain unclear. Merz to outline EU summit agenda in parliament German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is about to deliver a government statement in the lower house of parliament about the upcoming EU summit. Lawmakers will debate his remarks for an hour after the speech. The summit in Brussels next week is expected to focus on Ukraine, the Middle East and the EU's long-term budget for 2028–2034. After the debate, parliament will take up several government bills, including changes to anti-discrimination law and an extension of Bundeswehr overseas missions. Lawmakers are also set to vote later in the evening on tax-related changes and discuss a proposal to suspend a planned pay rise for MPs. Welcome to our coverage Guten Tag from DW's newsroom in Bonn. You join us just ahead of a speech by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament. The address is a matter of routine, coming ahead of a summit of European Union leaders. This time around, the meeting in Brussels is expected to focus on Ukraine and and the bloc's long-term budget plans. Stick with us here for this story and more of what Germany is talking about today.