Before the meeting between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron in Brussels this Wednesday, the foreign ministers of the two countries-Germany’s Johann Wadephul and France’s Jean‑Noel Barrot-said on Tuesday evening that an agreement could emerge concerning the future of the multibillion‑euro Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme.
Barrot explained that any solution would come from political leadership rather than the companies involved, pointing to the very different viewpoints of German and French firms discussed at the “Europe 2026” conference. He also pledged that a satisfactory outcome for the FCAS project would be found.
The ministers expressed optimism about the impending enlargement of the European Union. Wadephul said now is the moment to broaden the Union, referring to the Western Balkan states in addition to Iceland and Norway.
Barrot added that they would welcome the British back with open arms and suggested that Canada might join in the future-a possibility Wadephul himself did not rule out, noting that he was open to Canada’s participation.
