By Sarah Marsh and Matthias Williams BERLIN (Reuters) -German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday said Europe was prepared to fight if necessary for its core values of freedom and democracy, in an explicit riposte to the Trump administration's repeated criticisms of the European Union.

THEODORE BUNZEL is Managing Director and head of Lazard Geopolitical Advisory. He has worked in the political section of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow and at the U.S. Treasury Department.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has vowed support for the strengthening of Europe and its defence, as he honoured European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the the Charlemagne Prize award ceremony on Thursday.

Germany and Ukraine strike a deal to jointly develop weapons with "no range restrictions," as the Kremlin says Trump's jabs at Putin are due to him "not being informed."

As Germany’s new chancellor increases military spending, he has presided over the activation of a German tank brigade based in Lithuania and raised alarms about the threat from Russia.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has received the International Charlemagne Prize. The annual award is given for contributions to European unity.

Investing in Ukraine will enable Kyiv to have a “substantial” number of long-range weapons this year, the German defense ministry said in a statement.

LISBON, Portugal — Portugal’s anti-immigration Chega party notched another political gain for Europe's far right on Wednesday after it was assigned the second-most seats in parliament — meaning it will become the head of the parliamentary opposition to the new government.

Stokes also sees more at play than just a disagreement over trade deficits. Trump’s threats “are rooted in frustration with the EU that has little to do with trade,’’ Stokes said. “He doesn’t like the EU. He doesn’t like Germany.” What exactly does Trump want? What can Europe offer? Here are the key areas where the two side are squaring off.

Germany sees a high bar for any intervention to support gas storage efforts this year, even if the country ends up missing its new legally-binding targets.

Germany is reprising its role as the world's biggest creditor for the first time since 1991 - but seismic global policy changes suggest it might not be back in the seat for long.