As Le Pen looms, Macron and Merz bid to show Franco-German engine still has clout

Macron and Merz are strengthening Franco-German cooperation in defense, industry, and technology, emphasizing Europe’s strategic awakening ahead of Macron’s 2025 exit. The talks occur as Marine Le Pen’s National Rally leads in polls for the 2027 French election, prompting urgency over the EU’s next budget and bilateral security priorities.