Macron and Merz vow to fast-track EU deals, citing economic necessity
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged Friday to reach agreements on an ambitious slate of EU topics by year-end, framing their urgency as a matter of economic survival rather than a safeguard against a potential Marine Le Pen presidency.
At the conclusion of two days of Franco-German talks in Berlin, the leaders of the EU's two biggest economies said they were expediting work on deals to counter subsidized Chinese exports, finalize the bloc's next seven-year budget (Multiannual Financial Framework), and build a U.S.-style capital markets union.
Macron stressed that the implementation plan must move as quickly and vigorously as possible, calling it vital for France and Europe. Merz underscored that Franco-German cooperation is essential when Russia threatens security, China challenges the economy, and the transatlantic partnership can no longer be taken for granted.
The prospect of a far-right French president has cast a shadow over bilateral relations for months. Polls currently show Marine Le Pen as the front-runner for the 2027 election, prompting EU countries last year to race for a budget deal by end of 2026 over fears she could slash Paris' contributions.
When asked about the possibility of a far-right successor undoing agreements, Macron warned against relying on polls and urged trust in the French people. Merz said Germany will continue close cooperation regardless of how French voters decide, though keeping the Franco-German engine running with a far-right president could prove difficult given Le Pen's historically critical stance.
Berlin and Paris often portray themselves as the EU's motor but have struggled to reach compromises on trade, defense, and joint debt. On EU budget and China policy, they have traditionally represented opposing camps. The summit highlighted Germany's recent shift toward French positions on tackling unfair Chinese trade practices; the joint declaration asks the European Commission to launch more trade probes and strengthen trade defense tools. Macron said a joint plan on the matter would be developed by year-end.
