At the Munich Security Conference, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, a conservative, took a step forward in assuming European leadership. In a carefully considered and calculated speech, Merz sought a balance between the desire to move towards greater European defense autonomy and the need to maintain the historic alliance with the United States. All of this stemmed from the assumption that a new era is dawning on the international stage, one that no longer adheres to the parameters of the post-World War II era. Merz and Macron acknowledged ongoing talks to "articulate France's nuclear deterrent for Europe," Macron stated, making it clear that a strong stance is necessary: ​​"Europe must become a geopolitical power." At this point, it remains to be seen what position London, which also possesses nuclear weapons, will adopt. In any case, in Munich, Merz, Macron, and Starmer made a public appearance together. The chancellor has opted for this path without abandoning Atlanticism, that is, within a NATO in which Europe assumes greater responsibility and, therefore, greater military strength. This European strengthening responds to the Western rebalancing unleashed by US President Donald Trump with his disruptive and contemptuous approach to Europe. What approach? So far, a four-move strategy. First, pressuring traditional partners to increase their military budgets—and to do so by spending on American industry. Second, flirting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in the context of the war in Ukraine; this very Friday he insisted: "Russia wants to reach an agreement and Zelensky will have to make a move or he will lose a great opportunity." Third, emboldening the continental far right and thus weakening European unity. And fourth, with the threat of invading a European territory, Greenland (Denmark).

With the geopolitical upheaval brought about by Donald Trump's arrival in the White House, the rise of the far right in Europe, and the war in Ukraine, a politically strong Franco-German axis is more necessary than ever. All hopes of French President Emmanuel Macron are pinned on it. in the new German Chancellor, Friedrich MerzThe conservative, from the same party as former Chancellor Angela Merkel, the CDU, is a convinced Europeanist, and Macron seems to be much more in tune with him than with his predecessor, Olaf Scholz. It's customary for a new chancellor's first official trip abroad to be to France, but Merz traveled to Paris less than 24 hours after being appointed. It's quite a statement of intent.