New German Chancellor Friedrich Merz plunged straight into international diplomacy on his first full day in the job on May 7, heading straight to Paris for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Merz and Macron used their first meeting since the German leader’s election on May 6 to present a united European front on the issues of the day, such as U.S. tariffs and the war in Ukraine.
“We will only be able to meet these challenges if France and Germany stand even more closely together than in the past,” Merz said.
“That is why Emmanuel Macron and I have agreed on a new Franco-German push for Europe.”
They intended to strengthen the Franco–German defense and security council, Merz said.
“We want to better coordinate our support for Ukraine within this framework, align our national defense planning and procurement projects even more closely, and also find new answers to strategic questions of security and defense policy,” he said.
However, Merz acknowledged that Europe still needs Washington’s support to secure peace in Ukraine.
“It is our firm conviction that we cannot end this war in Ukraine without further political and military engagement by the United States of America,” he said.
“The Europeans cannot replace this at present.”
On the topic of the proposed 30-day cease-fire, the two leaders said their nations were in close contact to try to bring about a pause and, if possible, a permanent halt to the fighting.
“Will the Russian president be, at last, true to his word, in particular the one given during talks with the U.S. administration?
“We will be there to accompany this 30-day cease-fire and build a lasting and solid peace. And [France and Germany] are in close contact.”
Merz said that he was hopeful a permanent cease-fire could be agreed soon for Ukraine, but held back on making any commitments for Kyiv’s security.
The pair also joined forces to demand that Israel allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Merz said it was an “obligation” and urged Israel to be “more responsible.”
Macron agreed, saying that Paris couldn’t defend Ukraine’s sovereign and territorial rights while ignoring the plight of Palestinians.
“We cannot have double standards,” the French leader said.
“Fighting Hamas, a terrorist group—yes. But not respecting any humanitarian rules and maintaining the situation in Gaza—no.
“This situation is unacceptable. Just as the forced displacement of populations is an unacceptable response.”
Turning their attention to yet another outbreak of violence around the globe, this time between India and Pakistan, the pair said they view the exchange “between these two nuclear powers with the utmost concern.”
“Now, more than ever, it is necessary to keep a cool head and show prudence and common sense,” Merz said.
“No one in the region should have any interest in further escalation.”
Macron called their meeting “a new page” in the Franco–German partnership.
In particular, Paris is looking to Berlin for backing for increased European Union defense spending in the face of the perceived threat to European security from Russia and concerns that Washington is pivoting away from its post-World War II trans-Atlantic relationship with Europe to focus resources on countering China.
Macron also said France and Germany would “act hand in hand” in the face of U.S. tariffs and work for “a united European response and a balanced outcome that respects our interests.”
Traditionally, new German chancellors make a point of visiting their larger neighbors in the west and east on the first day in office to stress European unity.
After concluding his visit with his western neighbor, Merz will travel east to Poland this same day for a meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
