Franco-German council aims to boost competitiveness and defense

The Franco-German Council of Ministers should help the two countries strengthen their competitiveness, security, and defense capabilities, French President Emmanuel Macron said on X.

"The Franco-German Council of Ministers, which we are co-chairing today with Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Germany, should allow us to strengthen our competitiveness, security, and defense. The Franco-German approach is more necessary than ever today to implement our sovereignty agenda," Macron wrote.

The meeting of the Council of Ministers is being held on July 16-17 in the western German city of Brühl. The leaders of the two countries are expected to discuss defense issues at the Nörvenich air base, after which government ministers will join them.