Merz and Macron confer in Nörvenich on nuclear deterrence

In the afternoon, the delegation traveled on to Brühl near Cologne, where the program continued with working talks at Augustusburg Castle. The choice of venue is symbolic: at this castle near the Rhenish episcopal city, then-Federal Chancellor Konrad Adenauer welcomed French President Charles de Gaulle in 1961 – just one year before de Gaulle put forward the proposal for a Franco-German friendship treaty in 1962, which was then signed on 22 January 1963 at the Élysée Palace in Paris.

Historic site with symbolic significance

Upon Macron's arrival, Merz recalled this historic foundation. The treaty remains "the basis for our work," Merz said upon Macron's arrival. Macron also emphasized in their joint discussions that the meeting takes place "in a time shaped by a strategic awakening of Europe, but also signifies the consolidation of this Franco-German cooperation."

Observers see the choice of the opening venue as a signal: Nörvenich Air Base is one of the Bundeswehr's most important military airfields and is home, among other things, to parts of the flying unit that could in future operate together with French forces. The consultations there were regarded as the kickoff for a series of further consultations to be continued in the coming months.

Nörvenich as a Bundeswehr location

Both sides initially remained reserved about the concrete contents of the nuclear component. From circles close to the Federal Government, it was said that the matter at hand was a political declaration of intent and initial structures for a permanent dialogue. German participation in the French nuclear force or a joint nuclear command structure is not planned; France retains control over its weapons systems.

Political debate over the nuclear role

Nevertheless, the consultation is considered politically delicate. In Berlin, parts of the Federal Government are skeptical of the undertaking. Advocates argue that a stronger European pillar of nuclear deterrence reduces dependence on the United States. Critics see it as a break with Germany's previous nuclear non-proliferation policy.

The meeting is accompanied by an extensive security deployment. Traffic disruptions occurred around Augustusburg Castle, in Brühl, and along the route to Nörvenich. Expanded security zones were also in effect in Cologne, where a joint dinner was planned for the evening.

With the working visit, Merz and Macron are continuing a tradition of regular Franco-German consultations. Both sides had repeatedly emphasized in recent weeks that the Paris-Berlin axis is the core of a future, more independent European security and defense policy. No concrete decisions were expected at Thursday's meeting; a joint statement was announced for late in the evening.