German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Berlin to address growing rifts between their countries on key issues such as defense cooperation, trade policy, and NATO strategy.
Despite warmer personal relations, the leaders face significant disagreements, particularly over joint defense projects like the fighter jet initiative and how to respond to escalating US-EU trade tensions and tariffs. Both leaders emphasized the importance of presenting a united European front, but progress has been slow, with an August deadline set to resolve the fighter jet dispute. The talks highlight the challenges facing the so-called 'Franco-German engine' that has traditionally driven EU policy.
As Europe confronts external pressures from the US and internal divisions, the ability of France and Germany to cooperate remains crucial for the bloc's stability.
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