German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's goal, unveiled last year, of building 'Europe's strongest army' is shaking the core alliance of Europe. As France views Germany's military rise with suspicion, the FCAS fighter jet project the two countries were jointly developing has also ended in failure.
In a speech to the Bundestag on May 14, 2025, Merz said the German army must become Europe's strongest conventional force. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius also placed this goal at the center of the first military strategy he unveiled on April 22, 2026.
France's conditional approach
French President Emmanuel Macron commented on the goal, saying it was 'a good thing if it serves the common interest,' but offered only conditional support. In a documentary released on March 17, Macron said, 'If it doesn't, then there is a question mark.'
This mistrust between the two countries has also spilled over into joint defense projects. German and French government sources announced on June 8 that the joint fighter jet project known as FCAS (Future Combat Air System) was no longer viable.
Why did the project fail?
The failure was attributed to the inability of Airbus and Dassault to agree on project leadership, work-sharing, and rights. Launched in 2017 and intended to replace German, French, and Spanish fighter jets by 2040, the project was one of Europe's largest armament initiatives.
German magazine Der Spiegel described the project's failure as 'shameful and dangerous for Europe.'
French concerns deepen
Paul Maurice, Secretary General of the Franco-German Relations Research Committee, said Germany's rearmament plans are being met in France with 'a mixture of strategic relief and political concern.' Maurice noted that Paris is asking whether Germany wants to strengthen European sovereignty or build an independent national power.
While the French defense industry favors an integration model, German companies like Rheinmetall prefer to strike their own deals, fueling fears in Paris of being relegated to second-class status.
Rescue effort at Augustusburg Palace
A Franco-German cabinet meeting held at Germany's Augustusburg Palace on July 17, 2026, put these issues on the table. According to the Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, 'While Paris does not trust German military power, Berlin is worried about France's political future.'
At this historic venue, which symbolized the reconciliation of two former enemies in 1962, the two sides are now trying to 'salvage what can be salvaged.' Macron expressed regret over the failure of FCAS, while the Berlin government stressed that the decision was based on objective reasons and would not change relations.
Plans are to continue with drone and joint communication platform projects. As for the joint tank project, the ground combat system, Germany remains committed, while the situation in Paris remains uncertain.
Macron's last meeting and the far-right threat
This meeting was the last Franco-German cabinet meeting for Macron, who has served two terms. Macron, who will leave office next spring, is trying to advance as many projects as possible.
But what really preoccupies Macron is the possibility that a far-right figure from the National Rally could succeed him at the Élysée Palace. Paris is also watching with concern the rise of the far-right AfD party in Germany, questioning the future of the Franco-German axis that has formed the stable core of Europe for decades.
Süddeutsche Zeitung raises the question: 'What if an anti-European far-right government in France gets hold of the control keys to the EU's only nuclear arsenal and cancels joint projects?'
