Part 5/10:
The topics of security and defense are where Merz and Macron find significant common ground. Merz's willingness to increase Germany's defense spending while questioning NATO’s future draws parallels to Macron’s earlier assessments of NATO’s viability. A coordinated effort toward building independent EU defense capabilities resonates well with calls for greater European military autonomy, following Macron's vision of a robust European defense posture.
Moreover, Merz's proposals regarding nuclear deterrence suggest a collaborative approach between Germany, France, and the UK, enhancing European security without sole reliance on the U.S.