Franco-German Defence and Security Council
In a video conference, Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron have discussed three major areas of security policy: cooperation in the field of industrial policy, security in the Sahel region, and European security and defence policy.
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Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron co-chaired the online meeting of the Franco-German Security Council.
Photo: Bundesregierung/Denzel
Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Emmanuel Macron discussed decisions on a common direction moving forward in the field of defence and security. Security is an issue that affects the two countries jointly, and is as crucially important during the pandemic as at other times.
Cooperation on industrial policy
They discussed the next steps in procuring the Eurodrone, the next-generation Future Combat Air System (FCAS) aircraft, the next-generation battle tank MGCS (Main Ground Combat System) and the Eurocopter Tiger helicopter. The projects are strategically important and are to be developed jointly.
Both partners have made progress on the further development of the extensive FCAS and MGCS projects in particular. Germany and France have reached agreement on the allocation of the various packages that are to be addressed in stages.
Enhancing security in the Sahel region
Angela Merkel stressed that the Sahel region is of great strategic importance for Europe. The security situation in the Sahel region continues to give cause for concern. Germany and France have strong civilian and military engagement in the area, in order to improve the security situation.
Angela Merkel expressed her thanks for the deployment of French special forces, who have also suffered fatalities. Germany will continue to train troops in Mali and Niger, she reported.
European security and defence policy
Angela Merkel stressed that Europe needs European security and defence policy to ensure that the continent remains sovereign. There is a focus on the Strategic Compass initiated by Germany, that is designed to make Europe better able to take action. Measures will be undertaken within the framework of NATO.
Germany and France will together help step up the EU’s own capability to take action to ensure common security With the Eurodrone, FCAS and MGCS, France and Germany are taking very concrete steps to enhance European sovereignty. These are Franco-German projects that are also open to other European partners.
The Franco-German Defence and Security Council has existed since 1998. Under the provisions of the Treaty of Aachen, the two countries set themselves the goal of deciding jointly to an even greater extent on the direction to be taken in the field of defence and security.