Summary
During a meeting at the Élysée Palace, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the formation of a Franco-German defence and security council to enhance cooperation amidst rising threats from Russia and uncertainties regarding U.S. support. Merz emphasized the need for increased European defense spending and continued backing for Ukraine, while both leaders expressed a desire to strengthen their nations’ partnership and address challenges in trade and energy. Macron and Merz aim to revitalize EU initiatives and promote a more independent European defense strategy without undermining existing alliances.
