Berlin (TDI): French President Emmanuel Macron is set to meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for a private dinner in Berlin, marking Macron’s first official visit to Germany since Merz took office.
This meeting comes after a period of strained relations between both states and is expected to lay the groundwork for closer cooperation between the two leading European powers.Â
With no formal agenda made public, the meeting is being closely watched in both countries and across the European Union. Officials in Berlin and Paris have suggested that the leaders will deliberate on shared European priorities, international challenges including the EU’s enlargement and ongoing war in Ukraine.Â
The visit underscores Merz’s emphasis on restoring bilateral ties with France as this partnership has long been central to Germany’s foreign policy that many felt had weakened in recent years.
Macron, too, has expressed interest in rebuilding momentum in both states’ relations, especially at a time when the EU faces multiple internal and external challenges.Â
Read More:Â Germany, France, UK Prepare for Renewed Nuclear Dialogue with Iran
The dinner is expected to be informal but substantive, according to German government sources. Despite being informal, Observers see it as a key moment to rebuild trust and reopen communication between the two states.
As political divisions deepen in Europe, both leaders are under pressure at home and in Brussels to prove that the Franco-German partnership is still capable of driving policy and unity at least in Europe.Â
The two leaders also have to discuss several unresolved issues, from a joint defense project to energy and trade. Germany has raised concerns about France’s push for a leadership role in the programme, while still expressing hope for compromise.Â
Concerning energy policy, France, which heavily depends on nuclear power, wants Germany to support a more neutral stance on energy technologies within the EU.
Another area of discord has been an EU deal with South America’s Mercosur bloc. Germany strongly supports the long-awaited EU trade agreement with South America’s Mercosur bloc. However, France remains hesitant, citing risks to its agricultural sector and environmental concerns.Â
Both leaders are also expected to discuss the trade dispute with the US after Trump threatened 30-percent tariffs against the EU if no deal is reached by August 1.
