This marked Macron’s first visit to Germany since Merz’s government took office in May. Merz hosted the French president for dinner at the lakeside Villa Borsig near Berlin.
The two leaders expressed their commitment to deepen Franco-German cooperation “at all levels.”
Merz and Macron both emphasized their mutual friendship, as well as the enduring bond between their nations.
The significance of the Franco-German relationship in advancing both bilateral and European agendas was underlined by the French president.
The meeting took place as the EU faces various geopolitical and economic challenges, including trade conflicts with the US and Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
Both countries are actively supporting Ukraine and strengthening NATO’s European defense capabilities.
Trade row with the US
Both France and Germany face the threat of increased tariffs from the US due to trade disputes. US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 30% tariff on the EU if no agreement is reached by August 1.
Speaking with Macron, Merz indicated that decisions may soon be made about the ongoing dispute over trade tariffs.
“We will discuss current issues, including trade policy, about which we’re hearing there could be decisions soon,” stated the German chancellor.
Macron said he would work with Merz and other European counterparts to determine a unified response to the potential US tariffs.
“We are today responding to a tariff initiative with a shared determination: to secure stability and maintain the lowest possible tariffs,” Macron stated before meeting with Merz.
Controversies surrounding fighter jet project
The leaders also expected to discuss various contentious areas, including joint defense projects and energy policy.
Disagreements exist over a combat aircraft project to be jointly developed by France, Germany, and Spain.
Slated to replace various jet fighters from 2040, this project burdened by delays and disputes over workshare and intellectual property rights.
French defense company Dassault’s CEO Eric Trappier cast doubt on the project’s feasibility.
Merz and Macron agreed to attempt resolving the FCAS fighter jet project differences by the end of August, according to a German government spokesperson.
Other disagreements
Other points of contention include Paris’s advocacy for common EU debt to bolster the bloc’s defense industry, a proposal rejected by Berlin.
Additionally, France relies on nuclear energy, which Germany has entirely phased out.
France seeks a commitment to “technology neutrality” and effectively classifying nuclear energy as climate-friendly. The previous German government rejected this, but Merz’s administration may be more receptive.
Germany and France also differ on the trade agreement between the EU and Latin American Mercosur countries.
Edited by: Sean Sinico
