Germany’s finance minister Lars Klingbeil has called for a new era of “European patriotism” to protect the continent’s economic interests amid rising global tensions. Speaking at a lecture in Berlin, Klingbeil proposed that companies receiving state aid should be required to keep jobs within Europe and that public procurement policies should prioritise goods produced in the region.

Klingbeil said Europe must fundamentally rethink its economic strategy as traditional alliances weaken and trade becomes increasingly politicised. He argued that the transatlantic relationship is changing, pointing to signs that the United States is turning away from Europe both politically and culturally. At the same time, he warned that trade is being weaponised through subsidies, tariffs, export controls and industrial overcapacity, placing strain on Germany’s export-driven economy.

To address these challenges, Klingbeil outlined a strategy focused on strengthening European unity, diversifying trade ties beyond the United States and shielding European markets from unfair competition. He said Europe must become more sovereign and resilient, cautioning that relying solely on exports is no longer sufficient in a rapidly shifting global economic order.

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