The Franco-German axis of the EU is cracking because of Trump and the Iran war

BrusselsGermany and France are the two main powers in the European Union and the most influential within the bloc. All major decisions must have, at least, the support or approval of one of these two member states. They are decisive in all negotiations and positions taken by European institutions. However, it is common for Berlin and Paris to find themselves defending completely opposing viewpoints. The last time the Franco-German divide became evident was with the Iran war and their support for or condemnation of the US and Israeli offensive against the ayatollahs' regime.

In a short time on Tuesday, France and Germany displayed two very different views on the conflict in the Middle East. In the afternoon, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with US President Donald Trump at the White House. The German leader blatantly pandered to the New York tycoon, fiercely defending his offensive in Iran. Even when the US leader attacked Spain and threatened to cut off trade relations with Spain, Merz did not come to the defense of the European partner and, instead, said that he was already "trying to convince Spain" to increase its military spending. "It's the only thing he's not willing to accept," Merz added.

Two hours later, French President Emmanuel Macron, He began a televised speech In which he asserted for the first time that the US and Israeli "military operations" are "outside the framework of international law" and, therefore, he cannot "approve" them. The French president had not spoken in these terms before, although the Élysée Palace has always walked a tightrope to appease Trump and avoid an overly bellicose tone. In fact, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot had previously condemned the attacks along the same lines as Macron; but the French president himself also signed a joint statement with Germany and the United Kingdom That same Sunday, he showed himself willing to "intervene" in the conflict in defense of his interests and announced that he was "working jointly with the US in the region."

Macron also sought to distance himself from Merz by expressing his support for Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez after Trump threatened—in Merz's presence—to sever trade relations with Spain. "[Macron called Sánchez] to express France's European solidarity in response to the recent threats of economic coercion," Élysée Palace sources told ARA.

Later, however, at a press conference, Chancellor Friedrich Merz justified his silence, clarifying his position. "I didn't want to delve deeper into the debate publicly or, perhaps, aggravate it," he said on Wednesday, asserting that he discussed relations between the White House and Moncloa Palace with Trump in a "private conversation."

More autonomy vs. more Atlanticism

The differences in the balance of power between France and Germany's firm support for the US and Israeli attacks on Iran also highlight two historical positions that are far removed from how they understand the European Union. On the one hand, France, which possesses nuclear weapons, advocates in all areas for an autonomous Europe free from dependencies, including with respect to Washington. On the other hand, Germany, which has renounced military power since World War II, has always relied on American protection and presses to safeguard transatlantic relations to prevent the EU from decoupling from its ties with the US.

In the Greenland crisis, during the days when Trump threatened to invade the Arctic islandThe differences also became evident. While Macron He adopted a very harsh tone. Against the White House and asserting Europe's need to regain control, Merz softened his stance and once again praised transatlantic relations and the Trump administration.

The rift between Berlin and Paris ends up affecting the European Union significantly. The blog's major divisions often stem from differences between Germany and Paris, and have also shaped the European club's position and indecisiveness regarding the Iran war. EU leaders have made contradictory statements and issued conflicting communiqués, failing to condemn Trump's breach of international law so as not to offend any of the member states. Once again, a paralyzed Franco-German axis has left the EU voiceless on the international stage.