Conservative leader Friedrich Merz was elected in a second ballot by lawmakers as post-World War II Germany's 10th chancellor on Tuesday — hours after he failed to win the first round in parliament in a historic defeat.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has met top EU officials, promising that Europe's biggest economy was back to help steer the bloc at a tough time. Follow DW for our latest updates on news from and about Germany.

Germany's Friedrich Merz began his maiden visit to Brussels Friday with expectations riding high that the changing of the guard in Berlin can bring fresh momentum to Europe at a time of dizzying global challenges.