German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Berlin to address mounting tensions over defense cooperation and escalating trade disputes between the EU and the US.
Despite warmer personal relations, the leaders struggled to overcome deep divisions on issues such as NATO strategy, leadership of joint defense projects, and the EU's response to potential US tariffs. Both leaders emphasized the need for a united European front and trade stability, but their talks highlighted ongoing challenges in reviving the so-called 'Franco-German engine' that drives EU policy. The meeting comes as the EU prepares possible $100 billion tariff retaliation against the US, underscoring the high stakes for European unity.
The outcome of these discussions will be crucial for the EU's ability to respond to global economic and security challenges.
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