German-French summit: more cooperation in defence

German-French Summit: Closer Military Cooperation, Nuclear Partnership On July 17, 2026, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to deepen military cooperation, particularly in nuclear deterrence, during their bilateral meeting in North Rhine-Westphalia. The summit took place against the historical backdrop of Schloss Augustusburg, where in 1962 former French President Charles de Gaulle proposed a Franco-German friendship treaty that later became the foundation of the Élysée Treaty. This marked the latest step in efforts to strengthen ties between Germany and France amid growing geopolitical tensions. The two leaders convened after a defense and security council session held earlier in the day at the military airfield Nörvenich near Cologne. During this meeting, they agreed to expand Germany’s participation in a French nuclear exercise, with conventional German forces joining the operation. According to Merz, this move would complement existing nuclear deterrence strategies within NATO, which Germany continues to support. The involvement of German troops in such exercises represents a new phase in the strategic partnership between the two nations, aimed at enhancing European security through joint capabilities. French Rafale fighter jets were deployed to Nörvenich as part of the initial operational steps toward closer collaboration. These jets, designed for potential nuclear missions, will serve as a symbol of the evolving military relationship. Macron emphasized that the goal of the enhanced cooperation was not to involve Germany in financing French nuclear weapons, which have always been funded solely by France. Instead, he stressed that the objective was to increase uncertainty among adversaries and improve the safety of the European continent through diversified means of deterrence. Despite the partial failure of the Franco-German FCAS combat jet project, both leaders confirmed that work on key components of the program would continue. Merz described FCAS not merely as a new aircraft but as a broader system requiring further development. The two countries also pledged to advance cooperation in critical technologies such as artificial intelligence, space exploration, nuclear fusion, and quantum computing. This reflects a broader strategy to align technological innovation and defense capabilities under a shared framework. The discussions also touched upon potential joint military operations, including possible interventions in the case of a ceasefire in Ukraine or at the Strait of Hormuz. While France has long advocated for international military engagement in these scenarios, Germany has expressed willingness to participate once certain conditions are met. However, the likelihood of such actions remains uncertain given the ongoing conflict dynamics. As part of their agenda, Merz and Macron planned to hold a ministerial-level meeting at Schloss Augustusburg, bringing together ministers and state secretaries from ten different ministries. This meeting aims to reinforce the strategic competitiveness and security of Europe, as well as the resilience of democratic institutions. Macron highlighted the necessity of a strong Franco-German reflex in implementing the sovereignty agenda, underscoring the enduring importance of the partnership despite recent challenges. For Macron, this meeting marks his final official visit to Germany before the upcoming French presidential election in early 2027. Political analysts suggest that the rise of far-right candidate Marine Le Pen could shift the balance of power in France, potentially undermining the close integration between Paris and Berlin. Should Le Pen win, her emphasis on national sovereignty might lead to a more cautious approach towards European projects, including defense initiatives. Despite these uncertainties, Merz reaffirmed Germany's commitment to maintaining a deep and trusting relationship with France, irrespective of future political developments in France. He stated that the German hand would remain extended toward its neighbor, ensuring continued collaboration even if the leadership changes. This sentiment underscores the significance of the Franco-German alliance in shaping the future of European security and cooperation.