The Franco-German partnership, historically central to key decisions in Brussels, has been strained over the past three years. This is due in part to domestic political crises in both France and Germany, as well as significant differences in the leadership styles of French President Emmanuel Macron.
With the transition of leadership in Germany from Olaf Scholz to Friedrich Merz, can France and Germany regain their strong political and diplomatic relationship in Brussels?
Today, Radio Schuman digs into the issue with Euronews’ French correspondent, Grégoire Lory.
In a recent speech at the Körber Foundation, Merz pledged to “renew and deepen” strained Franco-German relations, criticising the lack of chemistry between Macron and outgoing Chancellor Scholz. At first glance, he and Macron share more common ground—Merz speaks fluent French, both have finance backgrounds, strong leadership ambitions, and advocate for a more self-reliant Europe amid US unpredictability.
However, their alignment has limits. Merz is unlikely to back Macron’s proposal for European peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, remains uncertain on joint EU debt for defence, and is even less likely to oppose the EU-Mercosur trade deal alongside France.
Today, Radio Schuman also discusses a meeting in the US between EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as well as the role of satellites in protecting public health.
Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim. Music by Alexandre Jas.
