German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Berlin to address escalating tensions over defense cooperation and looming trade conflicts with the US.
Despite warmer personal relations, the leaders struggled to bridge deep divisions on issues like NATO strategy, EU-US trade policy, and the joint fighter jet project, which now has an August deadline for resolution. Both leaders emphasized the need for a united European front and trade stability, but disagreements over tariffs and defense leadership persist. The so-called 'Franco-German engine'—long seen as the driving force of the EU—is sputtering as Europe faces external pressures and internal discord.
Their talks underscore the challenges of maintaining unity in the face of complex geopolitical and economic threats.
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