The pair vowed to work “hand in hand” to strengthen European defence capabilities and form a response to US tariffs.
With the EU’s largest economies and populations, the tandem of Germany and France has long underpinned the 27-nation bloc, but lost some of its vigour in recent months as leaders in both countries wrestled with domestic issues.
Merz and Macron – who called his counterpart “cher Friedrich”, or “dear Friedrich” – are hoping to give the relationship fresh impetus at a crucial time, with Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin both exerting pressure on the EU, forcing it to rethink its own security.
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J.D. Vance says ‘threat vis-a-vis Europe is not Russia, it’s not China’
J.D. Vance says ‘threat vis-a-vis Europe is not Russia, it’s not China’
Merz’s trip to Paris come the day after his historic defeat in the first round of voting in the German parliament. No other post-war candidate for German chancellor has failed to win on the first ballot. He won in the second round.