Germany and France announce “Joint Defense and Security Council” during Merz’s visit to Paris
How is tradition? The newly chosen German Friedrich Merz This Wednesday made the first official visit of the mandate and chose France As the first country to visit, with the aim of launching a new chapter in Franco-Sumian relations.
The symbolic meaning of the trip is clear: to renew what is often called the “Franco-German Motor” of the EU.
The most significant announcement of the joint press conference between Merz and the French president Emmanuel Macron It was the creation of a Franco-German Defense and Security Council, stating that both nations intend to “respond jointly to the challenges facing Europe” and “act hand in hand.”
In relation to War that Moscow comes out in UkraineMerz has confirmed his plans to visit kyiv in the coming weeks, emphasizing the objective of “obtaining a durable fire and a peace agreement with Russia.”
Although cautious about the shipment of troops, Merz said that Germany and France would offer “security guarantees” to Ukraine as soon as a durable fire and a peace treaty were completed. Merz insisted that this can only be done with a stronger commitment to USA.
When asked about the sending of Taurus missiles of long rank to Ukraine, the French leader replied: “Let us reveal the least. Ambiguity is the best for Ukrainians.”
On the thorny issue of nuclear deterrence, Germany’s new chancellor says he wants to “discuss with France and Great Britain” the theme of the European continent. This discussion is “explicitly seen as a complement to what we already have with our US partners in NATO,” he added.
Paris Esperança in the new chancellor
For the 69-year-old conservative chancellor and leader of the Democratic-Christian Union (CDU), this visit was also an opportunity to replace the tone after the beginning of the henchmen. Merz could not be chosen in the first round of the elections in the German Bundestag, a shameful stumbling that attracted attention in the country and abroad.
Paris is giving a tone of hope: Merz can be a more aligned Macron interlocutor than his predecessor, Olaf Scholz.
Merz’s decision to make Germany’s rigorous budget rules more flexible, that is, reinforce defense expenses, was well received in Paris.
MERZ’s most challenging position compared to the president of the United States, Donald TrumpIt also aligns with Macron’s impulse for greater European autonomy.
However, the two leaders remain divided into several fundamental issues, including the Mercosur trade agreement. Merz, as the predecessor Scholz continues to support liberal commercial policies, in contrast to the most protectionist tone of France.
During the press conference, the French leader said: “We are in favor of trade agreements if they protect European producers.” However, Merz declared that the European Union should ratify the free trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur countries.
