Germany and France sent a clear signal of unity on security and defence issues in Cologne. The message was delivered by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron during a joint meeting of the Defence and Security Council.
At the Nörvenich air base near Cologne, the two leaders confirmed their determination to revive the Franco-German partnership. The meeting comes one month after the collapse of the SCAF fighter jet programme, which failed due to industrial clashes between Airbus and Dassault.
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Merz announced that Germany will take part for the first time this year in a nuclear exercise involving the French armed forces.
“Germany and France are deepening their defence cooperation. We are strengthening European deterrence. Starting this year, we will take part in a nuclear exercise with the French armed forces,” the German chancellor said.
According to the joint statement by the two leaders, the meeting of the Defence and Security Council represents the “first operational step” of a new stage in cooperation between the two countries.
Following the setback to the SCAF project, Berlin and Paris have decided to work towards a common standard aimed at ensuring the interoperability of air combat systems, ranging from drones to fighter jets.
Macron said that France and Germany had “drawn lessons” from the failure of the project. He said the sides would focus on more targeted initiatives and that their implementation requires close coordination between political leadership and the defence industry.
To highlight their closeness, Friedrich Merz posted several photos from his meeting with Emmanuel Macron on social media. In one image, the two leaders are seen talking aboard a plane.
“Thank you for your friendship, Emmanuel Macron,” Merz wrote in his post.
