Merz and Macron pledge stronger EU defense and united support for Ukraine

Germany’s newly elected Chancellor Friedrich Merz made his first official foreign visit to France on Wednesday, where he and French President Emmanuel Macron underscored their commitment to revitalizing the Franco-German alliance and strengthening the European Union’s collective security — with a sharp focus on Ukraine and defense cooperation.

At a joint press conference in Paris, the two leaders announced the formation of a Franco-German Defence and Security Council, aimed at enhancing coordination on defense policy and responding jointly to the evolving threats Europe faces, particularly Russia’s continued war against Ukraine.

“One of our top priorities is to close Europe’s capability gaps and ensure long-term support for Ukraine,” Merz stated, calling on all EU member states to significantly increase their defense spending. “Only in this way can we collectively support Ukraine and ensure the security of our continent.”

Merz also announced plans to visit Kyiv in the coming weeks, emphasizing the need to pursue a lasting ceasefire and a peace agreement with Russia, although he stopped short of committing to direct military involvement.

Both leaders affirmed their readiness to provide security guarantees to Ukraine — but only after a durable peace accord is achieved. Merz stressed that this would require stronger coordination with the United States, saying, “This can only succeed if we continue working hand-in-hand with our American partners within NATO.”

In response to questions about delivering long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, President Macron remained deliberately vague: “Let’s say as little as possible. Ambiguity is the best thing for the Ukrainians.”

On the sensitive topic of nuclear deterrence, Merz proposed initiating talks with France and the United Kingdom, viewing such discussions as a complement to NATO’s existing nuclear strategy, not a replacement.