US president's influence sparks renewed Franco-German partnership

The incoming German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, is sparking excitement in Paris and Berlin as officials hail his positive rapport with French President Emmanuel Macron. This newly strengthened bond has been attributed, in part, to the shifting geopolitical landscape shaped by US President Donald Trump’s actions, which have left a significant impact on Europe's security framework.

Under Trump, uncertainty over America's commitment to NATO and growing demands for Europe to shoulder more responsibility for Ukraine’s defence have shaken the security structure that has held Western Europe together for over eight decades, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

This disruption is prompting Merz to take a more proactive stance in revitalizing the Franco-German engine, which has long been viewed as the driving force behind the European Union's economy and political direction.

For Macron, relations with Germany have often been fraught, particularly on matters such as military autonomy and strategic independence. However, Merz's arrival has injected fresh hope into Franco-German relations. A notable shift has come with Merz expressing interest in Germany potentially being protected by France’s nuclear deterrent—a proposal long advocated by France but met with resistance from Germany.

France is eager for a German leader who shares its vision of increased defense spending and infrastructure investment.

“Merz and his entourage have the Franco-German reflex,” France’s Minister for European Affairs, Benjamin Haddad, said.

“That doesn't necessarily mean that we will agree on everything, but that there's a willingness to move forward together."

Despite differences on contentious issues like free trade agreements, officials acknowledge the shared ground on defense. “There has been a change in their perception of the world, which is getting more similar to ours,” said Sylvain Maillard, a French lawmaker.

Merz and Macron’s rapport is also rooted in their backgrounds in the corporate world, but it’s Trump’s legacy that has accelerated their alignment. "Merz and Macron have found a common wavelength," said an insider close to Merz.

The reshaping of Franco-German ties is seen as a direct result of the evolving geopolitical challenges Europe now faces, making the partnership between Merz and Macron crucial for Europe’s future direction.

By Vafa Guliyeva