German Chancellor Angela Merkel says the relationship between Germany and the United States as well as the future of a trans-atlantic free trade agreement have been "put on test" by allegations of massive spying by the US National Security Agency.
During a statement today to Parliament, Merkel called the allegations about NSA spying "grave" and said they must be investigated to re-establish trust.
At the same time, Merkel said the alliance with Washington "remains a fundamental guarantor for our freedom and our security."
Media reports last month that Merkel's phone had been tapped by NSA operatives unleashed a firestorm of criticism in Germany, which has been among America's closest European allies since the end of World War II.
