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Merzcron: The new drive of the EU by France and Germany
After years of stagnation, the new Franco-German alliance under Merz and Macron is bringing the EU back to life. An analysis of current developments and global challenges.
Merzcron: The new drive of the EU by France and Germany
The clasped hands of French and German leaders have long represented the spirit of European unity. The picture from 1984, when François Mitterrand and Helmut Kohl appeared hand in hand in Verdun to send a sign of reconciliation, is particularly well known.
The new beginning of German-French cooperation
When Chancellor Friedrich Merz took President Emmanuel Macron's hand on the steps of the Élysée Palace in early May - a moment that was warm and accompanied by hearty pats on the back - that was it not just a photo opportunity.
A strong signal for Europe
It was the clearest sign that Europe's most important alliance is on the move again. After years of stagnation and frustration under Olaf Scholz, the German-French engine is running again and now has the name: Merzcron.
Regular meetings and shared goals
Since Merz's election, the two have met six times - most recently with other NATO leaders in The Hague. They will meet again on Thursday at the European Council meeting in Brussels.
Focusing on security and stability
The common goal is to advance the European response to security, the situation in Ukraine and uncertainties from the Trump era, as well as to shape Europe's role on the global stage.
Vision for a strong European defense
Ahead of the NATO summit, Macron and Merz outlined their vision in a joint opinion article in the Financial Times. They emphasized: “In these challenging times, Germany and France – together with our European and transatlantic friends and allies – stand united and strong to defend our shared values and the freedom and security of our citizens.”
Strengthening defense spending
They outlined plans to increase defense spending - aiming to reach 3.5% of GDP in basic military investments - and called for deeper cooperation between NATO and the EU. They also called for a stronger, sovereign Europe that no longer depends on others for its security. They assured that Ukraine will emerge “prosperous, resilient and secure” and warned that European stability hangs in the balance for decades.
A new influence with 'Merzcron'
The signs are that the powerful alliance “Mercron” or “Merkozy”, a play on words from the names of former Chancellor Angela Merkel, Macron and his predecessor Nicolas Sarkozy, is evolving into an equally influential “Merzcron”.
Historic meeting in Brussels
The two-day European Council summit, which immediately follows a G7 meeting in Canada and the NATO summit in The Hague, is the first under Merz's chancellorship. It is expected to be another demonstration of how strong this union could be.
Expert assessment of the German-French partnership
CNN spoke to two advocates of the Franco-German partnership - former French President François Hollande, who worked closely with Merkel, and Wolfgang Ischinger, a former German state secretary who was once described as Europe's best-connected diplomat. They assessed the implications of this cooperation for Europe and the world.