French President Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s new Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday said they would strengthen defence cooperation, during Merz’s first trip abroad since taking office.
Europe is seeking to build up its defences as the war in Ukraine continues and as doubts grow over how committed the United States will remain under President Donald Trump.
“We will set up a French-German defence and security council to meet regularly to bring operational responses to our common strategic challenges,” Macron said at a joint press conference.
Merz, who became chancellor on Tuesday, has backed closer ties with Europe and the United States and is a strong supporter of Ukraine. He has promised to put Germany back on the international stage after months of political stalling.
“We will take joint measures to further enhance Europe’s security and defence capabilities,” said Merz, before leaving for Poland later in the day.
France and the United Kingdom are leading talks among a group of 30 countries looking at the possible deployment of troops to secure any future ceasefire in Ukraine.
Asked on Tuesday about how Germany could influence peace talks, Merz said there was already “a proven format” for cooperation between Germany, France and the UK.
Merz added that he would “consult intensively” with both countries, and said, “If we can include the Poles, then it will be even better.”
France and Germany must 'overcome difficulties' to prevent rise of populism, Attal says
Cornerstone
The Franco-German relationship became the cornerstone of the European Union and was first symbolised by the 1963 Élysée Treaty, signed by then French President Charles de Gaulle and Konrad Adenauer, the German Chancellor.
The document symbolized reconciliation between two European superpowers that were at opposite sides during both world wars, and from then on, the Franco-German axis would shape the EU’s political, economic, and security landscape.
Historically, the partnership was succesful in driving European integration, fostering common markets, and aligning policies on defense and foreign affairs.
But, in recent years, relations were marred by disagreements over defence policy, energy strategy, and fiscal policies.
Notably, Berlin’s unilateral €200 billion energy relief package and differing approaches to European defense have tested the alliance, culminating in diplomatic friction between leaders Emmanuel Macron and Merz's predecessor, the social-democrat Olaf Scholz.
The new German leadership under Friedrich Merz, a staunch supporter of the European Union, is set to revitalise the partnership with Paris.
Both leaders advocate for a stronger, more autonomous Europe that is less dependent on an increasingly unreliant US. Franco-German cooperation is seen as vital for advancing collective European defense initiatives, fiscal integration, and political cohesion.
The 2019 Aachen Treaty further deepened cooperation in areas such as innovation, energy transition, and cultural exchange.
The success or failure of Franco-German cooperation significantly influences the EU’s capacity to maintain stability, promote economic growth, and ensure security across the continent.
(with newswires)
