Macron and Merz unveil Franco-German defence council to strengthen European security

French and German leaders unveil new defence cooperation plans as Russia’s war in Ukraine and Trump’s NATO stance raise concerns.

France's President Emmanuel Macron walks alongside Germany’s newly elected Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the garden of the Élysée Palace in Paris, on May 7, 2025. Photo by Ludovic Marin/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

French President Emmanuel Macron and newly-appointed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged on Wednesday to establish a permanent Franco-German defence council, marking a significant step toward tighter European military cooperation in response to escalating Russian aggression and transatlantic uncertainty.

The announcement came during Merz’s first foreign trip as chancellor, underlining the importance of the Franco-German alliance in shaping Europe’s strategic direction. Standing alongside Macron at the Élysée Palace, Merz emphasized that Europe must deepen its security efforts while still relying on American involvement, especially in the search for peace in Ukraine.

"We will set up a French-German defence and security council to meet regularly to bring operational responses to our common strategic challenges," Macron told reporters.

The Franco-German defence council, as described by both leaders, will serve as a high-level forum to coordinate defence strategies, military readiness, and technological cooperation between Europe’s two largest powers. It also signals Europe’s intent to assert greater responsibility for its own security as U.S. policy becomes increasingly unpredictable under President Donald Trump.

Europe reacts to Russian pressure and American unpredictability

Friedrich Merz’s visit to Paris came just one day after his formal appointment, reflecting Berlin’s urgent desire to reposition itself on the global stage. For much of the past year, Germany had remained diplomatically stagnant during its political transition. Merz, a longtime advocate of transatlantic cooperation and a staunch supporter of Ukraine, has vowed to break that inertia. 

"We will take joint measures to further enhance Europe's security and defence capabilities," Merz said, before continuing to Poland later in the day.

Both Paris and Berlin remain deeply concerned about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s sustained military campaign in Ukraine. Now in its fourth year, the war has strained European unity, challenged NATO’s deterrence posture, and revealed vulnerabilities in continental defence infrastructure.

Merz also expressed growing unease over Trump’s efforts to expedite a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, warning that any credible resolution must include U.S. engagement.

"We cannot end this war in Ukraine without a continued involvement of the United States of America," Merz said. "This is not something that Europeans can substitute for."

Macron, Merz insist U.S. must remain engaged

Both leaders acknowledged that while Europe needs to stand stronger on its own, it cannot isolate itself from Washington.

"At the same time, we are aware that we will continue to need the Americans," Merz noted. "We want the Americans to remain onboard, and to meet their responsibilities within NATO and towards Ukraine."

Merz also made it clear that Trump’s involvement, though controversial, was still vital. "President Trump has our full support when it comes to bringing about an end to the war," he said, signaling diplomatic pragmatism amid political differences.

He also emphasized that any ceasefire or long-term security framework for Ukraine would require American support, particularly in enforcing and monitoring such agreements.

Exploring nuclear deterrence within Europe

In a bold new proposal, Merz raised the prospect of enhanced European nuclear deterrence discussions involving France and the United Kingdom, the only nuclear-armed EU powers apart from Russia.

"We will give our respective ministers the mandate to begin this discussion," Merz said. "Any such arrangement would be complementary to what we already have with our American partners within NATO."

Macron welcomed the initiative, framing it not as a threat to NATO’s cohesion but as a reinforcement.

"It is perfectly natural that all issues should be discussed, including nuclear deterrence, given our history and our specific characteristics," the French president said.

Skepticism over Putin's proposed truce

The leaders also addressed reports of a proposed three-day truce announced by President Putin, meant to begin at midnight on Wednesday.

Macron was dismissive, questioning Putin’s sincerity and pointing out that previous ceasefires had been violated without consequence.

"Beyond the three days promised, which will undoubtedly not be respected, like the previous ones — is the Russian president finally serious?" Macron asked. "Will he finally decide to keep his word, especially the promises he made in his discussions with the U.S. administration? That is what matters to us."

Ukraine has also rejected the truce as a distraction, calling it a political stunt aimed at preserving Russia’s annual May 9 World War II commemoration rather than a real gesture toward peace.

As Putin prepares for the high-profile parade in Moscow, security concerns have intensified. A surge of Ukrainian drone attacks has disrupted air traffic and forced the Kremlin to assure foreign leaders that it is taking "all necessary measures" to guarantee safety at the event.

A new European framework for Ukraine peace?

Asked how Germany might influence future negotiations over Ukraine’s fate, Merz pointed to historical precedents.

"There is a proven format of Berlin working with France and Britain," Merz said, adding that closer cooperation between these capitals could lay the foundation for a broader diplomatic effort.

He also suggested that involving Poland — a key NATO member and vocal critic of Russia — would strengthen any future initiative. "If we can include the Poles, then it will be even better," he added.

A strategic pivot for Europe

The creation of a Franco-German defence council signals a broader shift in European security architecture. While maintaining strong ties to NATO and the United States, Macron and Merz are clearly preparing Europe to act more decisively and independently in the face of growing external threats.

In doing so, they hope to reassure European citizens and partners alike that Europe is no longer passive, but a proactive force for peace, deterrence, and global stability.

Franco-German defence council encapsulates this shift — from symbolic partnership to structured, institutionalised collaboration. As threats mount from Moscow and transatlantic ties face tests under Trump’s leadership, Paris and Berlin are sending a clear message: European defence begins at home.