New German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faced international crises on his first day in office today, calling on India and Pakistan to reduce tensions, pledging support for Ukraine and announcing plans to travel to Kiev soon.
Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron used their first meeting to present a united front in the face of US President Donald Trump's trade war, Russian aggression in Ukraine and other issues causing alarm in Europe.
At a joint press conference, Merz acknowledged that Europe still needs the United States (US) for peace in Ukraine, but the two pledged to strengthen Europe's security and increase defense spending.
"It is our firm belief that we cannot end this war in Ukraine without further political and military engagement by the United States," Merck said. "The Europeans cannot replace that right now."
France and Germany, with the largest economies and populations in the European Union (EU), have long formed the foundations of the EU, but have lost some of their strength in recent months as leaders in both countries have grappled with domestic issues.
Macron said Russia was a "systemic threat" to European security and said France and Germany would "accelerate" defense cooperation. He cited joint work on tanks, long-range missiles and fighter jets.
He also said the countries would begin regular Franco-German defense council meetings and jointly develop new defense technologies "essential for the wars of tomorrow."
Merz and Macron - who called his German counterpart "cher Friedrich" (dear Friedrich) - are hoping to give new impetus to relations at a crucial moment, as Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin put pressure on the EU, forcing it to rethink its own security.
The two also jointly asked Israel to allow humanitarian aid for civilians in the Gaza Strip.
Merc said it was an "obligation" and called on Israel to be "more responsible," which is striking given Germany's past and current support for Israel.
Israel is preparing to intensify its campaign against Hamas in a devastating war now entering its 20th month. The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas extremists attacked southern Israel, killing 1.200 people and taking 251 hostages.
More than 52.000 people have been killed in the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian health officials.
Macron said that France cannot, on the one hand, defend the sovereign and territorial rights of Ukrainians while ignoring the plight of Palestinians in Gaza.
"We cannot have double standards," the French leader said.
Both called for stability between India and Pakistan, saying they view conflicts between the two nuclear powers with the utmost concern.
India fired missiles into Pakistan-controlled territory at several locations early Wednesday, killing at least 26 people, including a child, in what a Pakistani leader said was an act of war. India said it had struck infrastructure used by militants linked to last month's massacre of tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir.
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Traditionally, newly elected German chancellors visit their big neighbors to the west and east on their first day in office to emphasize European unity. Merck will travel to Poland on Wednesday afternoon before returning to Berlin.
Merck's visit to Paris showed the new chancellor was engaging directly in world affairs, sending a message that Germany was back on track after the more timid approach of his predecessor. Macron said their meeting was a "new page" in the Franco-German partnership.
France is seeking German support for increased EU defense spending in the face of a perceived threat to European security from Russia and concerns that Trump is moving away from the transatlantic relationship with Europe established after World War II to focus resources on countering China.
The French president also said that France and Germany would "act hand in hand" in the face of Trump's tariffs and work towards "a unified European response and a balanced outcome that respects our interests."
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