Overview

• French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the creation of a Franco-German defense and security council to address shared strategic challenges.
• Both leaders mandated discussions on European nuclear deterrence involving France, Germany, and the UK, complementing NATO's security framework.
• They committed to accelerating joint military innovation programs, focusing on future tanks, combat aircraft, and long-range missile development.
• Merz called for the rapid ratification of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, despite French opposition, highlighting ongoing divisions within the EU on trade policy.
• The leaders reiterated Europe's reliance on the United States for securing a ceasefire in Ukraine and expressed concern over escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.