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Chancellor Merz: U.S. Firms Must Obey German Regulations

12/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On December 9, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that foreign companies, including U.S. firms, must comply with German and EU regulations.
The remarks followed U.S. President Donald Trump criticizing a fine on the social media platform X.
Merz said American companies must accept German rules, just as European firms face penalties in the United States.
He noted legal options exist for companies to challenge any sanctions.

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Story summary

On December 9, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that foreign companies, including U.S. firms, must comply with German and EU regulations.
The remarks followed U.S. President Donald Trump criticizing a fine on the social media platform X.
Merz said American companies must accept German rules, just as European firms face penalties in the United States.
He noted legal options exist for companies to challenge any sanctions.