Overview

• The leaders will convene a Franco‑German council of ministers in Toulon on Friday with ten ministers from each side.
• Their agenda features security guarantees for Ukraine, discussions on Iran’s nuclear program and Gaza, and plans to boost European competitiveness and align reforms.
• Merz said thorny industrial files, including the future combat aircraft project (Scaf), are deferred, with a decision slated for the end of the year.
• The push comes as Paris faces a potential collapse of François Bayrou’s government over a €44 billion savings plan and as Merz navigates early coalition strains.
• Analysts link the rapprochement to German frustration with U.S. policy under President Trump and concern over the rise of the far right in France.