Friedrich Merz, on course to become post-World War II Germany's 10th chancellor after the country's election, has vowed to prioritize European unity and the continent's security as it grapples with the new Trump administration and Russia's war on Ukraine.

The Christian Democrat, who appeared to have a path to a stable governing coalition, hopes to lead Europe’s response to President Trump’s reshuffling of alliances.

Germany's mainstream conservatives have won the country's national election, while a far-right party surged to become the country's second-largest party.

The euro nudged higher on Monday after Germany's opposition conservatives won the national election as expected, while the dollar trod water amid worries over the growth outlook for the U.S economy. Friedrich Merz was set to become Germany's next chancellor after his party emerged victorious in Sunday's election,