PARIS — As Europe grapples with the increasing challenges posed by U.S. President Donald Trump, the essential partnership between France and Germany is experiencing notable strains. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed his commitment to establish a united front with French President Emmanuel Macron in the near future, aiming to strengthen the Franco-German alliance, often referred to as the driving force of the EU, to address Trump’s actions related to Greenland.
Challenges in forming a united front
However, achieving what Merz describes as a “common position” with Macron will not be straightforward. Both nations must navigate a landscape filled with months of tension, suspicion, and unresolved issues. French diplomats have expressed concerns over Germany’s rising assertiveness in positioning itself as Europe’s central player, while the German side is growing frustrated with France over various stalled initiatives, including a joint fighter-jet program, opposition to the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, and the abandonment of plans to utilize Russian assets for Ukrainian aid.
The differing responses from Macron and Merz to Trump’s recent threats to impose tariffs on EU nations opposing his Greenland takeover showcased their contrasting approaches. Macron, drawing from a strong Gaullist tradition, immediately pledged to retaliate against the U.S. President using the EU’s trade tools. In contrast, Merz, who favors a more conciliatory approach, emphasized the potential for dialogue to de-escalate tensions.
“Germany wanted to react a little more harshly than we do” – Friedrich Merz
On Monday, Merz publicly acknowledged the stark differences in tone between the two nations, noting that France appeared more inclined to respond aggressively than Germany, which has less to lose in a trade conflict with the U.S.
The shifting dynamics of power
For France, a significant hurdle in achieving a united stance with Germany is the internal divisions within Germany’s coalition government. While Macron advocates for the use of the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument to counter Trump, Germany’s responses lack clarity. This disparity has led to frustration among European diplomats, with one remarking, “Different German politicians are saying different things.”
Despite Merz’s confidence in aligning with Macron to confront Trump’s provocations, deeper issues persist in Franco-German relations that may take time to resolve. An EU official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, highlighted that “in the last six months, the Franco-German engine hasn’t produced a single thing.”
Germany’s ambitions have been on the rise, with indications that it is poised to expand its military capabilities significantly, potentially outpacing France in defense spending. Macron faces challenges at home, including substantial public debt and political instability, while Merz is positioning himself as a proactive leader on the European stage, particularly regarding the Ukraine crisis.
Merz has actively sought to engage with Trump, suggesting that if the U.S. President cannot align with Europe, he might consider Germany as a strategic partner. This notion has raised concerns in Paris about Germany’s willingness to operate independently of France.
As tensions simmer, Berlin has expressed dissatisfaction with Paris’s perceived lack of commitment to collective European initiatives. The German frustration was particularly evident during discussions concerning the €90 billion EU loan to support Ukraine, with France advocating for preferential treatment toward its defense industry, while Germany insisted on supporting companies that have contributed most to Ukraine’s assistance.
Amid growing tensions, the long-awaited EU-Mercosur trade deal and the joint Franco-German fighter jet project have become points of contention. Berlin’s initial willingness to make concessions to secure French support for the Mercosur agreement has waned in light of Macron’s inability to quell domestic opposition, especially from agricultural sectors.
The critical FCAS joint fighter program, valued at €100 billion, is facing significant obstacles, as Paris and Berlin struggle to find common ground on its future. German lawmakers have expressed concern that without collaborative efforts, Germany may pursue the development of a fighter jet independently, a move seen as detrimental to Franco-German cooperation.
As the political landscape shifts, the rise of the far-right National Rally in France creates further challenges for Franco-German defense discussions, with experts noting that the potential emergence of this party could heavily influence future cooperation.