Germany's Social Democrats will announce on Wednesday whether members have backed a treaty for a coalition with the CDU/CSU conservatives, potentially clearing the last hurdle for the formation of a new government in Europe's largest economy.

On foreign policy, Merz aims to take a more active role in Europe in contrast to the more tepid approach of his predecessar Olaf Scholz. Once he is sworn in, he is expected to travel to Paris and Warsaw to meet counterparts Emmanuel Macron and Donald Tusk.

Germany’s Social Democrats voted in favor of the coalition deal with Friedrich Merz’s conservatives, clearing the way for the leader of the conservative bloc to be confirmed as chancellor next week.