Bergisch Gladbach, 16 July 2026: Against the impressive backdrop of Bensberg Castle, Federal Chancellor Merz welcomed French President Macron to mark the start of the 26th Franco-German Ministerial Council.
That evening, the German and French delegations, led by the Federal Chancellor and the French President, met for an initial working meeting.
17 July 2026: Chancellor Merz and President Macron flew by helicopter to Nörvenich Air Base this morning.
The relevant ministers of the Franco-German Defence and Security Council met in a hangar at Nörvenich Air Base, chaired by Chancellor Merz and President Macron.
Outside Augustusburg Palace, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed French President Macron with military honours.
It was in 1962 that the then Federal Chancellor Adenauer and the French President de Gaulle first met at the historic castle. 64 years later, Merz and Macron are continuing the friendship between the two countries and their joint Franco-German cooperation at the European level.
The ministers, Federal Chancellor Merz and President Macron then gathered in the castle’s Garden Hall for the plenary session of the Franco-German Ministerial Council.
The meeting focused in particular on the topics of the economy, competitiveness and security. At the same time, the Ministerial Council discussed joint Franco-German initiatives on a range of issues at EU level.
At the end of the Ministerial Council summit, Chancellor Merz and President Macron addressed the press. “Our friendship with France and our shared commitment to a united Europe are at the heart of German foreign policy,” emphasised the Chancellor.