Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday said Germany, Europe's largest economy, was ready to take over a greater leadership role on future trade agreements as the United States and the EU race to reach a trade deal before a July 9 deadline.

Germany’s new chancellor has a mission when he meets President Trump: keeping him invested in the fate of Europe. Friedrich Merz is the latest leader from the continent to travel to the White House in recent weeks,

Friedrich Merz took office just weeks ago, and while he and president trump have spoken on the phone since then, this will be the first time they've met in person.