The two leaders have reaffirmed Franco-German unity, vowing to tackle challenges ranging from transatlantic trade tensions to European defence and energy policy.
French President Emmanuel Macron met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Wednesday, with the two leaders seeking to present a united front on transatlantic trade tensions and NATO security, among a number of pressing challenges.
Since taking office in May, Merz has joined Macron in working to reinvigorate the Franco-German alliance at the core of the European Union, as United States President Donald Trump continues to test the strength of transatlantic ties.
Alongside London and Warsaw, Paris and Berlin have been leading efforts to bolster support for Ukraine in its defence against Russia, while also working to enhance NATO's European defence capabilities.
France and Germany to launch new security council amid Ukraine war
Macron emphasised the importance of close collaboration, noting that bilateral alignment – whether in defence, security, green energy or cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing – was “absolutely key to achieving efficiency, critical mass and deeper cooperation”.
During their working dinner, the two leaders tackled the EU-US trade dispute, with Trump having threatened 30 percent tariffs on European goods if no agreement is reached by 1 August.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Macron wrote: "Together in Berlin, the Franco-German reflex in action, working to prepare for the Council of Ministers and the Franco-German Defence and Security Council. See you on 29 August in Toulon, dear Friedrich!"
Greeting Macron before their meal, Merz struck an optimistic tone, suggesting that ongoing high-level discussions might yield concrete outcomes. “We are hearing, even now, that decisions could be on the horizon,” he remarked.
While France has urged Brussels to take a firmer line with Washington, Germany continues to advocate for a calmer, de-escalatory approach.
Ultimately, both leaders “highlighted their shared vision for the negotiations”, Merz’s spokesperson confirmed after the meeting.
If talks fail, the two agreed to consider alternative trade measures and are open to developing new strategies if necessary.
Defence and energy diplomacy
One longstanding challenge has been the future of a next-generation combat aircraft project involving France, Germany and Spain.
Eric Trappier, CEO of French defence firm Dassault, cast fresh doubt on the viability of the initiative earlier this week.
Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday, Trappier pointed out the inefficiency of the European SCAF programme – the jet developed by France, Germany and Spain – stating that it could not be successfully completed in its current form.
When asked whether Dassault was prepared to leave the programme, Trappier replied: "It's not a question of leaving, it's a question of whether or not [the project] will continue."
Macron and Merz to hold talks on NATO and EU-US trade row
Energy policy remains another sensitive area. France, a strong proponent of nuclear energy, wants Germany to support a “technology-neutral” approach and recognise nuclear power as climate-friendly.
Germany, having phased out nuclear energy in favour of wind and solar, has been hesitant – but Merz’s centre-right CDU/CSU may be more open to reconsidering the position than the previous coalition of Social Democrats and Greens.
In a joint opinion piece published in May, the two leaders called for an “energy policy reset” and pledged “equal treatment at EU level for all low-emission energy sources”.
