German Merz meets Macron in Paris to Dialogue on Critical Issues Bordering on NATO

Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the likely next German Chancellor following his party’s strong performance in the snap election on February 23, met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. This meeting, held just three days after the election, took place at the Elysée Palace and was described as a “working dinner” aimed at exploring agreements and strengthening Franco-German relations. The discussions occurred against the backdrop of a shifting global landscape, particularly with concerns over U.S. policy under President Donald Trump and its implications for European security and transatlantic relations.

The talks reportedly focused on several key areas, including the enhancement of German French cooperation, European defense, and responses to international challenges such as the war in Ukraine and shifting U.S. foreign policy. Both leaders expressed a shared intent to open a “new chapter” in bilateral relations, with sources close to Merz noting a “great deal of agreement” and “numerous starting points for joint initiatives.” The atmosphere was described as friendly and constructive, lasting approximately three hours.

Merz, who speaks French and has a personal affinity for France, emphasized the potential for the two nations to “achieve great things for Europe together,” a sentiment he echoed in a bilingual post on X following the meeting. This rapid engagement signals a mutual urgency to revitalize the Franco-German axis, especially after a period of strained relations between Macron and outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

The meeting also reflects broader European concerns, including the need for a unified stance amid uncertainties surrounding Trump’s approach to NATO, Ukraine, and trade policies like the Mercosur agreement. While specific agreements were not publicly detailed, the encounter laid the groundwork for future collaboration, with Merz and Macron aligning on the importance of European unity and strategic autonomy. Merz’s trip to Paris marks his first international visit post-election, underscoring France’s priority in his prospective chancellorship.

Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency has raised concerns in Europe about America’s commitment to NATO, given his past criticisms of the alliance and calls for European nations to increase defense spending. This uncertainty was a likely backdrop to the Merz-Macron talks. Merz and Macron may push for NATO policies that bolster European contributions to the alliance, reducing reliance on U.S. leadership.

This could mean advocating for higher defense budgets among European NATO members (Germany, in particular, has faced pressure to meet the 2% GDP target consistently) and strengthening NATO’s European pillar. Their emphasis on “strategic autonomy” hints at a vision where Europe takes greater responsibility for its defense, potentially reshaping NATO’s operational balance.

The Merz-Macron dialogue reflects a shared recognition that NATO’s effectiveness may hinge on Europe stepping up, particularly if Trump pressures allies to “pay their share” or reduces U.S. troop presence. Their push for unity could stabilize NATO amid uncertainty, but it also risks friction with members like the UK or Poland, who prioritize a U.S.-centric alliance.

The Merz-Macron meeting signals a proactive Franco-German effort to shape Europe’s security architecture ahead of potential U.S. policy shifts.
Impact: If successful, their collaboration could lead NATO toward a more multipolar structure, where European nations collectively wield greater influence. This might involve revisiting NATO’s Strategic Concept to reflect a stronger European voice, especially on issues like hybrid threats, energy security, and relations with China—areas where Franco-German alignment could set the tone.