In Berlin, Friedrich Merz, the likely next chancellor of Germany, is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday. This meeting precedes the European Council summit, as confirmed by a spokesperson from Merz’s Christian Democrats via Euractiv. Last month, Macron had previously met with Merz in Paris following his discussions with US President Donald Trump, establishing a foundation for continued dialogue.
Macron’s visit also includes a meeting with Olaf Scholz, the current chancellor from the Social Democrats, to prepare for the Brussels summit. They plan to address pressing matters, specifically the ongoing situation in Ukraine and the overall security framework of Europe, highlighting the urgency of these discussions.
As Merz awaits the conclusion of coalition talks with the SPD to officially assume his chancellorship, Scholz remains in office. It is customary for both leaders to work closely on key decisions that will affect the transition to the next government, reflecting a unified front despite the leadership transition.
The government’s spokesperson indicated that coordination among the current and future leadership is essential, as both Scholz and Merz will align their positions before the Brussels summit. There is still uncertainty whether Merz will join other leaders from his European People’s Party (EPP) in their pre-summit gathering, as he had done previously at an extraordinary summit.
Friedrich Merz is set to meet Emmanuel Macron in Berlin ahead of the European Council summit. Macron’s discussions with both Merz and current Chancellor Olaf Scholz will focus on Ukraine and Europe’s security architecture. The meetings reflect coordination between Germany’s current and future leadership as Merz prepares to take office following coalition negotiations.
Friedrich Merz’s upcoming meeting with Emmanuel Macron signifies an important step in Franco-German relations, especially as both prepare for vital discussions at the European Council summit. With Merz poised to lead Germany, the collaboration between him and current Chancellor Olaf Scholz underscores the importance of unified governance during this transitional phase. The outcomes of these dialogues may shape the future security framework of Europe, particularly concerning the situation in Ukraine.
Original Source: www.euractiv.com
