Merz heads to Paris, Warsaw on first trip as German chancellor

Friedrich Merz, the newly appointed German Chancellor, will embark on his first international journey this Wednesday, visiting France and Poland. This trip is aimed at revitalizing Germany's relationships with key allies and reaffirming its presence on the global stage following a shaky start to his leadership.

Merz's trip was planned in advance but comes just a day after his election as Chancellor in a second-round vote, underscoring the internal divisions within his coalition, which includes both conservatives and Social Democrats. Despite this, there is optimism among Germany's allies that Merz will restore the nation's leadership in Europe, especially after the disintegration of former Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition in November.

The trip also comes at a crucial time as Europe is working to secure security guarantees for Ukraine and establish a trade deal with the United States following President Donald Trump's tariff announcements. According to Jana Puglierin, head of the European Council on Foreign Relations in Berlin, Germany needs leadership that actively shapes European policy rather than just observes it. Merz is expected to centralize foreign and European policy within the chancellery, which will serve as the main decision-making hub.

For the first time in years, both the chancellery and the foreign ministry will be under the same political party. Merz also intends to create a national security council within the chancellery to streamline foreign, development, and defense policies. Merz, a former European Parliament deputy, is determined to mend relations with European allies, particularly in light of strained ties with the United States. He has expressed a desire for Europe to gain more independence in defense, especially in regard to NATO, and has shown openness to French proposals on European strategic autonomy.

Merz has already made strides by securing a historic fiscal package to boost defense spending. His first stop will be Paris to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron, with whom he shares a good working relationship. Macron expressed his eagerness to strengthen the Franco-German partnership. Merz will then travel to Poland, a country playing an increasingly significant role in European politics due to its support for Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing invasion.

In Poland, Merz's visit will focus on promoting a more unified European stance on defense and security issues, particularly with regard to increased defense spending and potential joint equipment purchases. Additionally, Merz plans discussions with Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on tougher European migration policies, aligning with the coalition's goal to reject asylum seekers at Germany’s land borders, coordinated with European neighbors.