Friedrich Merz' and Emmanuel Macron's plan for Europe: Read the pact here
During his inaugural visit to Paris, Chancellor Merz agreed on guidelines for cooperation with French President Macron. Read the full text here.
During his first visit to France, the new German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, apparently struck a friendship agreement of sorts with Emmanuel Macron. The two heads of state published the agreement in a guest article. The article first appeared on the "Leading European Newspaper Alliance" platform, which also includes Die Welt and the French newspaper Le Figaro.
In an environment characterized by wars on our continent, fierce global competition, accelerating climate and technological change, and the threat of global trade conflicts, we have agreed on a comprehensive agenda to redefine our relationship and strengthen Europe. We strive for a more strategic and effective partnership that delivers concrete results for our citizens and for the European Union. We want to give new impetus to the traditional Franco-German axis and bilateral relations for the benefit of a more sovereign Europe – focusing on security, competitiveness, and convergence.
The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has shattered the illusion of guaranteed peace in Europe. We have already assumed greater responsibility for our security and will continue to do so. We will consistently strengthen our defense capabilities – also with a view to strengthening the European pillar within NATO. We must make measurable progress in reducing strategic dependencies and reducing the multitude of defense systems in Europe. This includes standardization and interoperability for a functioning internal market, as well as an industrial policy approach that favors high-performing players. At the same time, we will continue working on appropriate financing options. We want to further strengthen joint production and joint procurement and contract award procedures in priority areas, as defined at EU level.
Regular meetings of the Franco-German Council on issues of strategy, defense, and national security are intended to intensify our cooperation – for example, in supporting Ukraine, in defense planning, in coordinating strategic objectives, and in reviewing and coordinating our national security strategies. We want to give new impetus to bilateral defense cooperation projects and jointly develop a defense innovation program.
We stand united behind a sovereign, independent Ukraine. We will never accept an imposed peace. Ukraine will continue to receive our full support against Russian aggression. Together with the United States, Ukraine, and our European partners, we are striving for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire. Once this is achieved, we are ready to work with the United States and with clear security guarantees—especially those of a strong Ukrainian army—to achieve a just and lasting peace that prevents future Russian aggression. We will closely coordinate our approach toward Russia and the systemic threat it poses to European security.
Reorienting Franco-German energy policyProsperity is a prerequisite for sovereignty. We will accelerate and implement the EU's competitiveness agenda. To reduce energy costs and secure supplies, we will initiate a Franco-German energy policy reorientation—focused on climate neutrality, competitiveness, and sovereignty. This reorientation includes a commitment to technology neutrality: non-discrimination against all low-carbon energy sources in the EU, a pragmatic approach to low-carbon hydrogen, the recognition of natural gas as a transitional technology for Member States that rely on it, and a stronger focus of energy policy on emissions targets.
At the same time, we commit to targeted investments in relevant networks, including cross-border infrastructure. We agree that new climate targets must be linked to credible strategies to ensure the EU's competitiveness and prevent carbon leakage.
Debureaucratization, investments, innovationFurthermore, there is an urgent need to reduce the administrative burden that hinders growth in the EU – by reviewing existing legislation and removing excessive burdens, without abandoning European ambitions. We support the Commission's proposals and the rapid implementation of simplifications, particularly in the CSRD and CSDDD. We also call for further simplification of the EU regulatory framework. Investment, research, innovation, and partnerships in strategic sectors – such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, energy and climate technologies, biotechnology, space, semiconductors, and defense – should be accelerated. We will examine how to strengthen European preference in public procurement, particularly for low-carbon products. Our goal is to further develop European competition rules that contribute to the creation of globally competitive European champions in strategic sectors.
Substantial public and private investment is needed – especially in infrastructure. We share the urgency and priority of creating a genuine Capital Markets Union to better channel private savings into European companies and thus promote the ecological, digital, and security transformation. This requires a level playing field vis-à-vis global competitors and a reformed procurement system at the EU level. We will work on a modernized EU multiannual financial framework to address current challenges and make progress with our own resources.
Economic policy: Protecting European interests is a priorityIn the face of increasing global competition, we agree that a new, sustainable EU trade agenda is needed – to diversify and secure partnerships and value chains, promote competitiveness, and protect strategic sectors and agriculture. This is consistent with our commitment to open, fair, and rules-based trade – this should not be dismissed as naive. Mutually beneficial economic relations require a level playing field. We will seek ways to develop a mutually beneficial trade and investment agenda with the US. At the same time, we leave no doubt about our determination to fully safeguard EU interests and respond appropriately to adverse measures. We support the EU Commission in resolutely using existing tools to protect European interests. We will promote an effective European economic security policy.
In our dealings with China, we closely coordinate our strategic security assessments and pursue a common approach – particularly on issues of trade and economic security. At the same time, we maintain dialogue on global stability, climate protection, and other common concerns.
Migration policy: “Govern the Schengen area more strategically”We will also strengthen the coordination of our national economic and social policy reform plans, particularly in the areas of labor and tax policy. A platform for exchange between French and German social partners and economic experts will be established.
Leadership is also required in migration policy. We are committed to the full, swift, and coherent implementation of the European Pact on Asylum and Migration in Germany and France, as well as to the application of the EU Return Regulation. At the same time, we want to manage the Schengen area more strategically and better coordinate controls at internal borders to ensure its efficient and smooth functioning.
Ultimately, reforms are necessary to keep Europe stable – internally to strengthen democracy, the rule of law and the EU's ability to act, and externally to prepare for enlargement and to tackle geopolitical challenges, for example through the European Political Community.
Seventy-five years after Robert Schuman's Declaration of May 9, 1950, we look back with pride on Europe's achievements. France and Germany will work together every day to further advance these "concrete achievements, which first and foremost create de facto solidarity"—towards a more sovereign European Union that confidently defends its interests.
Berliner-zeitung
