Overview

• French President Emmanuel Macron and newly elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met in Paris to strengthen Franco-German ties and address European security challenges.
• The leaders unveiled plans for a Franco-German Defense Council to boost investments in defense and enhance Europe's military capabilities.
• Both leaders called for all EU nations to increase defense budgets to ensure security and maintain support for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict with Russia.
• Macron and Merz expressed full backing for U.S.-led efforts to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine and are finalizing plans for a joint visit to Kyiv this week.
• Trade tensions emerged as Merz pushed for swift ratification of the Mercosur trade pact, which France continues to block over concerns from domestic agricultural producers.