The trip's symbolic significance was clear: it renewed what has often been called the EU's “Franco-German motor”.
The most significant announcement from the joint press conference between Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron was the creation of a Franco-German Defence and Security Council, stating that both nations intended to "respond together to the challenges that Europe faces" and "act hand in hand."
Regarding Moscow's ongoing war in Ukraine, Merz confirmed plans to visit Kyiv in the coming weeks, stressing a goal of "bringing about a lasting ceasefire and a peace agreement with Russia.”
While cautious about committing to troop deployments, Merz said Germany and France would offer “security guarantees” to Ukraine once a lasting ceasefire and peace treaty are concluded.
Merz insisted that this can only be accomplished with a more robust commitment from the United States.
When asked about sending long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, the French leader responded: “Let’s say as little as possible. Ambiguity is the best thing for the Ukrainians."
On the thorny subject of nuclear deterrence, Germany's new chancellor said that he wanted to “discuss with France and Great Britain” the issue on the European continent.
This discussion is “seen explicitly as a complement to what we already have with our American partners within NATO”, he added.
