Macron and Merz strengthen Franco-German cooperation in southern France
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz chaired a joint Franco-German cabinet meeting on Friday in Toulon, southern France, followed by a defense council aimed at deepening coordination and reinforcing a “stronger Europe” in the face of global challenges.
Macron welcomed Merz on the Mediterranean coast in a cordial atmosphere, echoing the tone of their private dinner the night before at Fort Brégançon, the French president’s summer residence. Both leaders were accompanied by around ten ministers each and are scheduled to hold a joint press conference later in the day.
The meeting marks a renewed dynamic in Franco-German relations, which had slowed during the tenure of former chancellor Olaf Scholz. Eight joint roadmaps on energy, trade, industry, and digital sovereignty are expected to be adopted, reflecting an effort to overcome past disagreements and relaunch bilateral cooperation.
One key outcome will be the recognition of nuclear energy as non-discriminatory within EU financing mechanisms, a longstanding demand by Paris opposed by Berlin in recent years. Contentious issues such as the EU-Mercosur trade deal and the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project were deliberately set aside.
France insists on additional safeguards to protect farmers before ratifying the Mercosur agreement, while Germany, prioritizing industrial interests, advocates for its swift implementation. Meanwhile, French aerospace giant Dassault has expressed doubts over the viability of the FCAS project, which remains far from reaching a prototype stage
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