Press conference with Merz following Franco-German Ministerial Council

Press conference with Chancellor Merz and President Macron following the Franco-German Ministerial Council Working together to build a secure Europe

Deepening Franco-German friendship, strengthening Europe’s economy and jointly enhancing defence capabilities – these were the key themes of the 26^th Franco-German Ministerial Council, where the cabinets of both countries held talks in Brühl.

Transcript of press conference
Friday, 17 July 2026

The Federal Chancellor and the French President at a press conference at Augustusburg Palace. — Chancellor Merz and French President Macron reaffirmed the two countries’ enhanced cooperation in a number of different areas.

Photo: Federal Government/Xander Heinl

In the face of global security threats and major economic challenges, joint Franco-German action is essential. “Our friendship with France and our shared commitment to a united Europe are at the heart of German foreign policy,” emphasised Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron following the Franco-German Ministerial Council on Friday in Brühl.

With the aim of driving Europe forward, the discussions at the Franco-German Ministerial Council focused on three major issues: How do we protect ourselves in a dangerous world? How can we strengthen our economies in the face of global competition? And how do we move Europe forward?

The most important points in brief:

Protection in a dangerous world: According to Chancellor Merz, both countries have decided, within the Defence and Security Council, to “deepen their strategic cooperation”. Following the industrial failure of the FCAS (Future Combat Air System) aircraft, they are not turning a blind eye to this “sobering reality” but instead intend to step up their cooperation with integrated air defence, stand-off weapons and the armour manufacturer KNDS – KMW+Nexter Defense Systems. Merz also announced that conventional German forces would take part in a nuclear exercise organised by the French armed forces later this year, with a view to embarking on “a new joint approach to deterrence”. Both countries will continue to provide strong support to Ukraine, Merz said.
Strengthening national economies: In order to hold its own in the face of fiercer global competition, the German Government is implementing the Toulon Agenda. The Federal Chancellor emphasised that the aim was to strengthen European industry by “encouraging innovation” and providing targeted support for cutting-edge technologies such as AI, microelectronics and fusion technologies. On the subject of energy, Merz talked about the countries’ joint aim of ensuring the South-Western Hydrogen Corridor project is a success. In the field of space travel, Germany and France agreed to coordinate closely on fundamental issues such as the allocation of satellite frequencies and the European satellite constellation IRIS (Infra Red Imaging System-Square).
Moving Europe forward together: “With our joint proposal, we have injected a new momentum into the European enlargement process,” said the Chancellor, referring to the accession aspirations of Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkan states. With regard to the single market, Merz called for deeper integration, a “significant reduction in bureaucracy” and an ambitious trade agenda to defend against unfair practices by third parties. On the EU budget, there is agreement that the Multiannual Financial Framework must be sustainable. The Chancellor said they were aiming to reach an agreement before the end of this year.