Franco-German Alliance Faces Strain Amid Trade and Defense Disputes

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron have met in Berlin to reaffirm the Franco-German partnership, but their talks revealed deep divisions over key issues.

While both leaders presented a united front on the need to respond to US tariffs and maintain trade stability, disagreements persist over European defense projects, particularly a joint fighter jet program. They have set an August deadline to resolve these defense disputes. The meeting underscores the challenges facing Europe's two largest economies as they try to coordinate on EU trade policy, defense cooperation, and responses to US economic pressures.

Despite warmer personal relations, the so-called 'Franco-German engine' is sputtering as both sides struggle to align their strategies.