Macron Announces Creation of Joint Defense and Security Council with Germany

The revival of strategic relations was discussed today (07.05.2025) in Paris by French President Emmanuel Macron and the new German Chancellor, Friedrich Mertz. Against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, the foreign policy of ‘isolationism’ of the USA under Trump’s presidency, and regional geopolitical developments, Macron believes that strengthening bilateral cooperation with Germany is of strategic importance. In this context, the French president declared alongside the new German chancellor his desire to revive the ‘Franco-German reflex,’ systematic coordination of actions between the two countries, and jointly addressing the problems facing Europe. ‘We will establish a Franco-German defense and security council that will meet regularly to provide operational responses to our common strategic issues,’ stated Emmanuel Macron. The new German Chancellor, Friedrich Mertz, arrived earlier at the Elysée Palace where he was warmly welcomed by Emmanuel Macron for his first official visit abroad. Paris is traditionally the first stop for every new German leader. The two leaders aim to revive the Franco-German ‘tandem’ as a driving force of the European Union. Friedrich Mertz, a fervent Europeanist, seeks to throw all of Germany’s weight behind Europe, which faces significant challenges from Donald Trump’s hostility to the war in Ukraine. His next stops will be Warsaw, within the effort to revive the Weimar Triangle, and Brussels.