Merz's First Foreign Trips Focus on Security

In a nod to tradition, Germany’s newly elected Chancellor Friedrich Merz chose France as the destination for his first official trip abroad on Wednesday, aiming to reinvigorate the Franco-German partnership often described as the EU’s driving force.

During a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, the two leaders announced the creation of a Franco-German Defence and Security Council, pledging to "respond together to the challenges Europe faces" and "act hand in hand."

Addressing Russia’s war in Ukraine, Merz confirmed plans to visit Kiev in the coming weeks, emphasizing the goal of securing "a lasting ceasefire and a peace agreement with Russia." While stopping short of committing to troop deployments, he stated that Germany and France would provide Ukraine with "security guarantees" once a peace deal is reached—though he cautioned that such an outcome would require stronger U.S. involvement.

When questioned about supplying Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles, Macron adopted a guarded stance, saying, “Let’s say as little as possible. Ambiguity is the best thing for the Ukrainians.”

On nuclear deterrence, Merz expressed a desire to engage France and the U.K. in discussions, framing the dialogue as complementary to NATO’s existing framework with the U.S.

For Merz, 69, the conservative leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the visit marked an opportunity to reset his chancellorship after an uneven start. His failure to secure election in the first Bundestag vote drew scrutiny, but Paris appears optimistic. Merz’s willingness to relax Germany’s strict fiscal rules—particularly to increase defence spending—has been welcomed in France, as has his tougher stance toward U.S. President Donald Trump, aligning with Macron’s vision of European strategic autonomy.

However, divisions remain, notably over the EU-Mercosur trade deal. While Merz, like his predecessor Olaf Scholz, advocates for liberal trade policies, Macron stressed the need to protect European producers, stating, “We’re in favour of trade agreements if they protect European interests.”

Focus on Security and Migration in Warsaw

Later on Wednesday, Merz traveled to Warsaw for talks with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, where discussions centered on EU priorities, security, and bilateral relations.

Merz vowed to bolster EU border security, announcing Germany’s participation in a Dutch-led initiative to tighten migration policies alongside Denmark and Italy. “We will work toward a unified European solution,” he said.

Tusk, meanwhile, urged Germany to accelerate its defence spending, acknowledging the historical sensitivities of such a request. “Armed Germany in Poland is not a popular slogan,” he said, “but today we face different threats.”

Merz also outlined plans to deploy additional police at Germany’s borders to curb illegal migration, including turning away some asylum-seekers. The move signals a harder line as his government seeks to address domestic and European concerns over migration.