German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Berlin to address growing tensions between their countries, focusing on defense cooperation, NATO strategy, and escalating trade disputes with the US.
Despite warmer personal relations than in previous years, the leaders struggled to overcome deep divisions on key issues such as leadership of a joint fighter jet project and how to respond to potential US tariffs. Both leaders emphasized the need for European unity and trade stability, but their talks highlighted the challenges facing the so-called 'Franco-German engine' that has historically driven EU policy. The outcome of their discussions will be crucial for the EU's approach to defense and its response to US trade measures.
The meeting underscores the fragile state of European cooperation amid external pressures and internal disagreements.
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