Germany and France want to expand their joint defense projects with long-range weapons. This also means strengthening the European defense industry to “enhance military capabilities”.
Together with other partners, Paris and Berlin are planning “a comprehensive and inclusive long-term cooperation in the field of long-range weapons,” said a statement after a meeting of the Franco-German Defense Council in Meseberg (Brandenburg), published on Wednesday evening.
French President Emmanuel Macron had previously named Britain as a partner. Both countries also agreed to further strengthen NATO’s eastern flank towards Russia and Belarus. The German-French brigade could also be involved, it was said. Berlin and Paris also reaffirmed their willingness to make the planned EU rapid deployment capacity “fully operational” by 2025.
Nuclear deterrence “central”
In view of the new debate that Macron has initiated on the role of nuclear deterrence, both sides emphasized its “central importance” for the security of Europe and NATO. They also referred to the deterrent role of the independent French strategic nuclear force, which in turn makes a “significant contribution to the security of the Alliance”.
The basis of a common defense is “an appropriate mix of nuclear, conventional and missile defense capabilities, supplemented by space and cyber capabilities,” the report said.
Focus on the Weimar Triangle
Germany and France want to continue to cooperate more closely in the Weimar Triangle format, i.e. together with Poland. In addition, more exchanges are planned between the German Chancellery, the Elysée Palace of Paris and the foreign and defense ministers of both countries.
The meeting of the French-German Defense and Security Council in Meseberg near Berlin took place after a multi-day state visit by French President Macron to Germany.
Source: Krone
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