Defense: Merz and Macron Announce Reform Agenda for Europe

Handelsblatt Defense: Merz and Macron Announce Reform Agenda for Europe Waschinski, Gregor • 1 hour • 4 minutes read Germany and France want to cooperate more closely. Defense, the nuclear shield, Europe, and trade policy: What Merz discussed with Macron on his first trip abroad. On his first trip abroad as Chancellor, Friedrich Merz (CDU) agreed with French President Emmanuel Macron on close coordination between the two countries. During his visit to Paris on Wednesday, Merz spoke of a "German-French new start for Europe." Both countries are planning working groups on a number of topics. The agenda could be decided as early as this summer at a German-French government meeting. One thing is clear: Berlin and Paris want to cooperate even more closely than before, especially on defense. Merz planned to travel on to Warsaw in the afternoon. Macron said that Germany and France are now opening a "new chapter in bilateral relations, in the German-French friendship, and in the great European project." The aim is to ensure that a "German-French reflex" takes hold in all policy areas and that projects are "systematically approached together." Germany and France: Closer Cooperation on Defense The French President placed the agenda under the triad of "sovereignty, security, and competitiveness." Merz recalled that the European Union (EU) is facing "enormous challenges." Therefore, Germany and France must put aside their differences, for example, on nuclear power or trade policy, and find compromises. Merz and Macron Want a "Restart for Europe" In defense, both are planning to accelerate joint armament programs, for example on the battle tank of the future and on long-range missile projects. According to Macron, a "German-French program for innovation in the defense sector is also planned to enable groundbreaking innovations necessary for the war of tomorrow." The Franco-German Defense and Security Council, which has so far been more of an appendage to the intergovernmental consultations, is to be given a new role. Macron said the body would meet regularly in the future and provide "operational responses" to common challenges. In this context, Merz spoke of the "three plus three format," meaning consultations between the Chancellor and President with the Defense and Foreign Ministers of both countries. Macron's offer to extend the French nuclear weapons shield to Germany will also be discussed in this round. However, the Chancellor made it clear that the neighboring country's nuclear shield could only complement, not replace, the US nuclear security guarantees within NATO. Merz plans visit to Ukraine – with Macron? The format will also include coordination regarding the threat from Russia. Macron reiterated the goal of a "just and lasting peace" for Ukraine. Merz announced a trip to Kyiv "within the next few weeks." He left open whether he might travel with Macron, who is also planning a visit to Ukraine. "We want to do everything we can within the EU to ensure a lasting ceasefire," said the Chancellor. He emphasized that this should be achieved jointly with Donald Trump's US administration. "We want the Americans to stay on board," including with future security guarantees for Ukraine. Macron welcomed the new German government's planned spending on defense and infrastructure, which is seen in Paris as a break with austerity policies – discipline or the will to reduce national debt. The President described the debt package, which was passed by the outgoing Bundestag, as a "historic decision." Massive investments will be needed across Europe in the coming years, which must be financed both through public budgets and by mobilizing private capital. Merz also made clear, however, that European debt rules must continue to apply: "The Fiscal Compact applies." In their joint defense, Merz and Macron are also pursuing an ambitious economic agenda. The Capital Markets Union, which will make European savings more available for domestic investment projects, is intended to succeed. Sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space travel, and green technologies are to be promoted even more strongly. Furthermore, the EU is to become more competitive by simplifying rules for companies. Merz and Macron want to overcome bilateral conflicts on the common electricity market and become a model for the EU