German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and French President Emmanuel Macron showed their unity again at the EU summit in Brussels on Thursday. Like at the previous informal summit a few weeks earlier, they arrived together at the venue.
Before the talks began, Merz reiterated that the agenda would focus mainly on the competitiveness of the European economy. “I’m very grateful that the Commission has incorporated large parts of the proposals we worked on together in February into the conclusions” he said. He emphasized that Europe must stand its ground in an increasingly challenging world, ensuring that it can keep pace in both defense capability and energy supply. “All of this depends on a strong economy”.
Merz urged that a significant step must be taken today. “I’m confident we can achieve it” he added. He also said the meeting would cover energy prices. “This morning we see energy prices rising sharply across Europe and worldwide, largely due to developments in the Middle East”. He plans to discuss the issue in depth and wants to send a clear message that Europe is ready to help, but that the fighting must cease first.
Regarding the €90 billion credit for Ukraine and Hungary’s blockade, Merz pressed for its release. “We made a unanimous decision on December 19. All 27 member states have agreed to the path we are taking together”. He said the EU’s working principle is loyalty and reliability and expects all member states to uphold these values.
