Politico reports that Trump’s foreign policy has contributed to strengthening relations between France and Germany.
The article, citing a source close to Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU), notes that in the past, France, under President Emmanuel Macron, was often disappointed with its relations with Germany, as Berlin frequently refused to support French initiatives on key political and trade issues.
However, according to the source, Merz and Macron have now found common ground. Their close contacts are expected to lead to a joint agenda for France and Germany, which will begin once the new German government is formed.
Politico explains that the strengthening of ties between Berlin and Paris is a result of Trump’s foreign policy, which undermined Europe’s security architecture. Some experts argue that the U.S.’s departure from European affairs has contributed to this rapprochement.
Nevertheless, the article points out that disagreements between France and Germany over critical issues, such as defense spending and fiscal policy, are likely to persist. Merz will have to convince the German authorities of the need to increase defense spending, while France, struggling with a funding shortfall, has proposed joint European borrowing, which Germany is currently resistant to.
