La Repubblica: Disagreements between Merz and Macron threaten EU unity

Divergences between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron on key European policy issues, including the issuance of Eurobonds and the EU-MERCOSUR free trade agreement, are raising concerns over a potential split within the European Union, according to La Repubblica.

The newspaper reports that Merz views the failed attempt to expropriate Russian assets—which instead led European countries to approve €90 billion in aid to Kyiv—as a trap allegedly set by Macron and European Council President António Costa. Macron, aware of Merz’s displeasure, reportedly sent a note to Berlin indicating he had previously warned that relying on successful expropriation was unrealistic.

Merz was also frustrated with France’s position on the EU-MERCOSUR agreement. France, seeking to stabilise its domestic situation, opposed ratification of the deal.

According to the report, the German chancellor is currently focused on two objectives: halting the issuance of Eurobonds and establishing a European defence system based on national armies. He sees these steps as a response to Macron’s actions and a move to redistribute power in the EU toward national governments.

An EU split is increasingly plausible, as Merz’s stance conflicts not only with Macron and Costa but also with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and several Eastern European countries. Supporting Berlin are Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

By Vugar Khalilov