New Faces and New Focus

New Focus on Foreign Relations

The new Chancellor has promised to prioritize foreign policy. On his first day in office, Merz traveled to the key neighboring countries of France and Poland. While France is a traditional early destination for new chancellors, the trip to Warsaw reflects Poland's growing influence in the EU. In Paris, Merz met with French President Emmanuel Macron. The Chancellor emphasized that greater European unity is essential for making Europe more secure and competitive. He appeared more receptive than his predecessor, Olaf Scholz, to French proposals on European strategic autonomy and common defense. After his meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Merz praised Poland for its significant military role on NATO's eastern flank and its support for Ukraine.