Germany's Merz calls on EU allies to boost defence spending on first foreign visit

French President Macron meets newly elected German Chancellor Merz in Paris

Germany's newly elected Chancellor Friedrich Merz and France's President Emmanuel Macron hold a joint press conference following their meeting at the Elysee presidential palace in Paris, France, on May 7, 2025. LUDOVIC MARIN/Pool via REUTERS

Source: Pool

All members of the European Union must boost their defence spending to fill gaps in the bloc's capabilities and secure continued support for Ukraine, Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in Paris on Wednesday.

"Only in this way can we gradually close our capability gaps and collectively support Ukraine," Merz said at a press conference alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, during which the leaders promised a new start for Europe driven by Franco-German cooperation.

It was Merz's first foreign trip as chancellor, with a stop in Poland planned after France as the conservative leader seeks to renew relations with Germany's top allies.

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By Reuters