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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Germany on July 16, 2026, to advance security and defense cooperation.

The two leaders discussed nuclear deterrence, missile defense, long-range strike capabilities, space cooperation, and continued support for Ukraine amid growing security challenges across Europe.

The meeting comes at a critical time for Europe as governments accelerate military modernization and seek to strengthen strategic autonomy while maintaining support for Ukraine. It also follows the collapse of the joint Future Combat Air System (FCAS) fighter jet program, highlighting persistent industrial disagreements between Europe’s two largest defense powers.

Merz welcomed Macron at Bensberg Palace before hosting a working dinner with the French delegation ahead of formal Franco-German intergovernmental consultations.

“We will discuss major topics, economic policy, energy policy, and security and defense policy,” Merz told reporters before the talks. Macron said the discussions would address a broad range of bilateral and international issues.

German Chancellor Merz said, “We will also discuss major international issues, our support for Ukraine, peace and security in Europe, and the situation in the Middle East.”

Deutschland und Frankreich stehen so eng beinander wie selten zuvor. Wir tragen Verantwortung für Europa. Wir machen unsere Länder sicher und wirtschaftlich stark. Bienvenue en Allemagne, @EmmanuelMacron. pic.twitter.com/gnvlgD2K7b

— Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (@bundeskanzler) July 16, 2026

The French president added that both sides would also review the European Union agenda and cooperation on major defense projects, including early warning systems and long-range strike capabilities.

Focus on Security Cooperation

Defense cooperation has become the central focus of the Franco-German talks as Europe responds to a more challenging security environment and increasing pressure to strengthen its military capabilities.

The two leaders are scheduled to attend a meeting of the Franco-German Defense and Security Council at Noervenich Air Base before participating in a joint Cabinet meeting at Augustusburg Palace in Bruhl.

Officials from both countries expect the meetings to conclude with two joint declarations outlining future areas of cooperation.

Among the most significant topics is France’s proposal for “forward nuclear deterrence,” introduced earlier this year. Under the proposal, European allies would be able to participate in French nuclear deterrence exercises and, if agreed, temporarily host French nuclear assets on their territory.

German officials expect an agreement allowing German troops to participate in a French nuclear exercise later this year, marking another step toward closer military coordination between the two countries.

The discussions also include strengthening cooperation on missile defense, conventional long-range strike systems, and integrated early warning capabilities designed to improve Europe’s ability to respond to emerging security threats.

Industrial Tensions Remain

Despite efforts to present a united front, the talks are taking place against the backdrop of significant disagreements over major European defense programs.

Only weeks ago, France and Germany abandoned the ambitious Future Combat Air System program after years of industrial disputes over work-sharing arrangements and technological leadership.

The project had been expected to produce a next-generation European fighter aircraft to replace existing combat fleets, but competing industrial interests ultimately prevented the partners from reaching a final agreement.

The collapse of FCAS has raised broader questions about Europe’s ability to develop large multinational defense programs at a time when governments are increasing military spending and seeking greater strategic independence. Additional challenges have also affected other collaborative projects.

Development of the Franco-German next-generation tank has experienced repeated delays, while the multinational Eurodrone program has struggled to maintain momentum as European governments seek alternatives to existing American unmanned aircraft systems.

Competition within Europe’s rapidly expanding space industry has also complicated bilateral cooperation. Nevertheless, officials from both countries insist that defense cooperation extends well beyond any single project.

German officials said elements of the FCAS initiative are expected to continue, particularly work involving secure digital communications between aircraft and advanced battlefield networking technologies known as the “combat cloud.”

These technologies are considered essential for future air operations, enabling military aircraft, sensors and command systems to exchange information in real time during complex missions.

Balancing Sovereignty

Another key issue in the discussions is Europe’s long-running debate over defense sovereignty and dependence on American military technology.

France has consistently advocated expanding Europe’s indigenous defense industrial base and reducing reliance on non-European suppliers, particularly in strategically important sectors such as missile defense. French officials reiterated that ballistic missile defense should increasingly rely on sovereign European technologies.

The discussions reflect broader European efforts to build stronger domestic defense capabilities while continuing close cooperation within NATO. The issue has gained greater importance as European governments reassess long-term defense planning amid changing geopolitical conditions and growing uncertainty surrounding future transatlantic security arrangements.

Space and Satellite Cooperation

Space security is another major priority on the Franco-German agenda. The two governments are expected to reaffirm their support for IRIS, the European Union’s planned secure satellite communications constellation designed to provide resilient communications for governments, military forces and critical infrastructure across Europe.

The project is viewed by France as a cornerstone of Europe’s efforts to establish secure sovereign communications and reduce dependence on foreign satellite providers.

The discussions come despite Germany simultaneously pursuing its own military satellite constellation, illustrating both the opportunities and competitive pressures shaping Europe’s growing space sector.

Officials believe closer coordination in space technologies will strengthen Europe’s overall defense posture while supporting future military operations across multiple domains.

Support for Ukraine and European Security

Beyond bilateral cooperation, Merz and Macron also discussed continued support for Ukraine and the broader security situation in Europe.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, France and Germany have remained among Kyiv’s leading political and military supporters, although the two governments have occasionally differed on defense procurement priorities and industrial policy.

The leaders also exchanged views on developments in the Middle East alongside wider international security issues affecting European stability.

The meetings are intended to demonstrate that despite disagreements over individual defense programs, Paris and Berlin remain committed to maintaining one of Europe’s most important strategic partnerships.

As Europe increases defense investment and accelerates military modernization, closer Franco-German cooperation is widely viewed as essential to advancing joint capabilities, strengthening the European defense industrial base and reinforcing the continent’s long-term security architecture.

The outcomes of this week’s meetings are expected to shape future cooperation on advanced military technologies, nuclear deterrence, missile defense, space systems, and broader European security initiatives in the years ahead.