Defence and tariffs top the agenda at Merz and Macron working dinner

Euronews

5 days ago

French President Emmanuel Macron flew into Berlin on Wednesday for discussions over a working dinner with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Merz said the two leaders were set to discuss tariff negotiations between the EU and the US, as the deadline for 30% blanket tariffs on European goods rapidly approaches. A deal with the US is, however, thought to be imminent.
Joint defence policy is also expected to be high on the agenda, especially amid rising tensions surrounding the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) fighter jet that is planned to be built in Europe in a partnership between France, Germany and Spain. The jets are expected to ready by the end of the decade and enter service in 2040.
Defence dominates the agenda
Conflict is at risk of boiling over regarding the fighter jets, as the three companies, France's Dassault, Airbus Germany and the Spanish company Indra Sistemas are technically competitors, with the Dassault reportedly looking to dominate the process.
The German-French MGCS (Main Ground Combat System) tank project could also potentially run into problems.
French-German relations expert at the DGAP (German Council of Foreign Relations) Jacob Ross told Euronews he believes that Macron wants to stick with FCAS, as it is an important flagship of his security and European policy since 2017.
However, Macron is fast losing influence, given he is to step down after 2027. Next year, as the presidential pre-election campaign begins, he will be viewed as largely out of the picture.
Ross says that this has factored into the demands for renegotiation on FCAS, which the German chancellor is unlikely to accept.
"It would make him look weak and cause a lot of discontent in German politics and the administration, which in many places continues to think and decide in a very transatlantic manner and is rather suspicious of France," Ross explained.
"If FCAS fails, it could trigger a domino effect. This is because the twin project, MGCS, which is closely linked to FCAS, would then certainly also be on the brink of collapse," he added.
This is particularly critical, given that Germany and the EU are trying to replace the US' contributions to Ukraine after the re-election of US President Donald Trump, who has largely turned his attention away from Europe.
The Franco-German 'power couple' relationship
Ties between France and Germany were seen as frosty during Olaf Scholz's chancellorship. However, experts agree that the "power couple", as they are often referred to, have improved their relations.
Defence, interior and foreign ministers from the two countries have met often following the new German government's election just two months ago.
"However, the chancellor, the president, and all other responsible parties know that a good image and communication alone are worth nothing. This is a first step, very similar to German domestic policy - the mood must be turned around and optimism regained," Ross said.
Alongside defence policy, energy, trade deals and other European policies are also likely to have been on the working dinner's agenda.