Ukraine and European defence: Macron outlines key topics for talks with Merz

The gathering will be Macron’s final Franco-German ministerial council before he leaves office next year — and arrives with Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally polling strongly ahead of the 2027 French election.

Berlin and Paris are seeking to deepen security cooperation as ministers meet in western Germany.

The two leaders walked through the gates of Bensberg Castle side by side, maintaining the measured pace of a long-standing partnership that could weather temporary disagreements.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz is hosting President Emmanuel Macron this evening on the eve of a Franco-German cabinet meeting.