Friedrich Merz did not rule out common European Union borrowing for defence on Friday during his first trip to Brussels as German chancellor, but said it could only be for exceptional circumstances and that he was worried about rising global debt.

Germany's Friedrich Merz made clear Friday that Berlin was back at the European top table, ready to help steer the bloc at a time of dizzying challenges, as the new chancellor made his maiden visit to Brussels.

To accomplish that task, he will need to repair ties with the U.S. and allies, end an immigration crisis and kick-start the sluggish German economy.