In an effort to revive the recently sluggish Franco-German partnership, Germany’s new Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, traveled to Paris on Wednesday, May 7, for his first official foreign visit. His meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron aimed to reaffirm the traditional role of the “Franco-German motor” and continue the long-standing practice of German chancellors making their first international trip to France.
At a joint press conference, the biggest announcement was the creation of a new Franco-German Defense and Security Council. The two leaders said their countries would “respond together to the challenges that Europe faces” and “act hand in hand.”
Speaking about the war in Ukraine, Merz confirmed he plans to visit Kyiv “in the near future.” He made it clear that Germany and France would provide “security guarantees” to Ukraine. Merz also stressed the key role of the United States, saying that a resolution “can only be accomplished with a more robust commitment from the United States.”
When asked about supplying long-range Taurus missiles, Macron chose his words carefully, saying only: “Let’s say as little as possible. Ambiguity is the best thing for the Ukrainians.”
Macron and Merz also promised to “realign” their countries’ energy policies. This move is an important step toward narrowing the long-standing gap between pro-nuclear France and anti-nuclear Germany.
“To ensure our energy sovereignty while respecting national choices, we are calling for an end to all discrimination at European level against low-carbon energies, whether nuclear or renewable,” Macron said during the press conference in Paris.
