Paris (TDI): Fredrich Merz, the new Chancellor of Germany, has welcomed a new start in Franco-German defense and security relations which, he believes, will contribute to the unity and stability of Europe.
On Wednesday, just a day after he became the new Chancellor of Germany, Merz embarked on an official visit to France and Poland, intending to restore and further strengthen Germany’s relations with the two countries.
Fredrich Merz wrote on the social media app X that he and the French President, Emmanuel Macron, have agreed on a “Franco-German fresh start” for Europe. This renewal in relations focuses specifically on the areas of defense and security. He said, “We will accelerate our arms cooperation and strengthen NATO’s European pillar.”
Präsident @EmmanuelMacron und ich haben in Paris einen „deutsch-französischen Neustart“ für Europa vereinbart. Das gilt insbesondere für den Bereich Sicherheit und Verteidigung: Wir werden unsere Rüstungskooperation beschleunigen und den europäischen Pfeiler der NATO stärken.
— Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (@bundeskanzler) May 7, 2025
During his visit, he criticized the former German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, for neglecting Germany’s relations with its European allies.
Appearing alongside President Macron, in Paris, Chancellor Fredrich Merz stressed the need for a united Europe, which is necessary to make the region more secure and competitive, amid the ongoing challenges.
Talking about the challenges and their resolution, Merz said, “We will only be able to meet these challenges if France and Germany stand even more closely together than in the past… That is why Emmanuel Macron and I have agreed on a new Franco-German push for Europe.”
There were also some discussions on tough topics, such as the question of the European Union’s trade deal with the South American Mercosur bloc, a deal that France had resisted.
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Merz stated, “I know there are still some points France wants addressed in regard to these agreements, but I believe these are individual matters that do not call the whole into question.”
The two leaders also shared views on the future of Ukraine and whether Germany would be able to provide security guarantees to Ukraine if a ceasefire is reached. Despite the French President being more upfront about the issue, Merz stated that it was too early to say anything. “We simply don’t know the conditions yet,” Merz commented.
However, he did say that Ukraine can continue to rely on Germany and France for support, and “President Trump also has our full support when it comes to bringing an end to the war.”
Moreover, compared to Germany’s former Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, Merz appeared more receptive to President Macron’s proposal regarding the strategic autonomy and common defense of Europe. This might also be due to the uncertainty that stemmed from President Trump’s changing stances vis-à-vis Europe.
Die Ukraine kann sich auf Deutschland und Frankreich weiterhin verlassen. Und auch Präsident Trump hat unsere volle Unterstützung, wenn es darum geht, ein Ende des Krieges herbeizuführen. pic.twitter.com/ts0BgX0NcN
— Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (@bundeskanzler) May 7, 2025
Both the French President and German Chancellor have agreed to accelerate joint programs to develop new and strong defense capabilities which would go beyond the long-range missiles and combat tanks.
Fredrich Merz was elected as the Chancellor by Germany’s Bundestag in the second round of voting, after he failed to succeed in the first round by six votes. The failure to receive sufficient votes during the first secret ballot highlights the disunity among the coalition of Social Democrats and Conservatives.
Despite the whole debacle on Tuesday, hopes are high among the allies of Germany that Fredrich Merz will take the necessary initiatives to restore Germany’s leadership in Europe after several internal conflicts during former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s rule.
Javaria Khalid is a writer and researcher, who specializes in Pakistan's Foreign Policy Analysis, transatlantic geopolitics, and Pakistan’s relations with the European countries and the EU. She can be reached at javariakhalid011@outlook.com
