German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron will co-chair a Franco-German ministerial council on Friday in Toulon, with economic and security policy as the focus of the discussions.
The gathering, the first since Germany’s government change earlier this year, will bring together 10 ministers from each country. In preparation for this meeting, Merz and Macron met on Thursday evening at the French leader’s summer residence, Fort de Bregancon.
After experiencing difficult relations with former Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Macron expressed his belief that the renewed partnership between Chancellor Merz and himself could drive Europe forward.
“I believe that the Franco-German tandem is now perfectly coordinated to create a stronger Europe in the areas of the economy, trade, and currency,” he said.
Merz stressed the importance of the two countries’ partnership, referring to it as an “axis” within the EU.
“Germany and France play a central role within the European Union and on the European continent,” he said.
The Franco-German Ministerial Council, established in 2003 as part of the renewal of the Elysee Treaty’s 40th anniversary, brings together the German and French cabinets. The purpose of the council is to align policies on the EU, defense, the economy, and foreign affairs.
The meeting takes place amidst a political crisis in France, where Prime Minister Francois Bayrou is expected to face a confidence vote on September 8, which could potentially lead to the collapse of his government.