Friedrich Merz has vowed to prioritize European unity and the continent's security as it grapples with the new Trump administration and Russia's war on Ukraine​.

The Christian Democratic Union Party's win in Germany ensures that Europe's biggest economy is likely to continue to lead on climate change — though with a different framing and focus. Why it matters: Germany has taken aggressive action to lower emissions and push so-called "green" policies within the European Union and internationally.

The next German government faces calls to loosen borrowing rules, slash energy costs and spur innovation. It won’t be easy.