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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Jon Henley

Merz and Macron to jumpstart Franco-German relations in ‘new push for Europe’

Friedrich Merz and Emmanuel Macron talking in front of a large house in dark suits
Friedrich Merz, left, and Emmanuel Macron have promised to set up a joint Franco-German defence and security council. Photograph: Ludovic Marin/AP

France and Germany will seek to jumpstart their relationship, Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz have said on the new German chancellor’s first trip abroad, working “systematically together” in a “new push for Europe”.

Merz told the two leaders’ joint news conference in Paris on Wednesday that a reset in Franco-German relations was vital to help Europe become more secure, competitive and unified so it can overcome “enormous” security and economic challenges.

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