German chancellor Merz meets French President Emmanuel Macron, stresses on European unity and defence

Berlin: Friedrich Merz plunged straight into international crises on his first full day as Germany's new chancellor Wednesday, urging India and Pakistan to de-escalate their tensions, vowing support for Ukraine and announcing plans to travel to Kyiv soon.

Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron - both firm believers in the European Union - used their first meeting since the German leader's appointment Tuesday to present a united front in the face of US President Donald Trump's trade war, Russian aggression in Ukraine and other issues causing alarm in Europe.

In a joint news conference, Merz acknowledged that Europe still needs the U.S. for peace in Ukraine, but the duo vowed to strengthen the continent's security and increase defense spending.


"It is our firm conviction that we cannot end this war in Ukraine without further political and military engagement by the United States of America," Merz said. "The Europeans cannot replace this at present."

With the EU's largest economies and populations, the tandem of Germany and France has long underpinned the 27-nation bloc, but lost some of its vigor in recent months as leaders in both countries wrestled with domestic issues.