France's Macron and German's Merz Agree New Chapter in Relations
French President Emmanuel Macron and German conservative chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz agreed to open a new chapter in Franco-German relations, with a source close to Merz saying there was "a great deal of agreement" on joint initiatives. The meeting at the Elysee Palace marked a significant shift in the relationship between France and Germany, which have historically been close allies. Macron briefed EU leaders on the outcome of the talks, following his own meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump earlier in the week.
- This development could potentially signal a new era of cooperation between France and Germany, as they navigate complex challenges such as climate change and security threats together.
- How will the German government's shift towards a more right-wing agenda impact its stance on European integration and its relationships with other EU member states?