The unity of the EU appears to be crumbling as Europe is shaken by political ruptures. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are unable to agree on the most critical issues, including strategies regarding Ukraine and Russia. This is not merely a disagreement; it is a full-blown conflict, with France pursuing strategic autonomy while Germany seeks to maintain a firm grip on the leadership of NATO. Many observers argue that the "Franco-German duo" that guided Europe for decades is fading, clearing the path for new power centers. Gradually distancing itself from Paris, Berlin has begun preparing an alternative alliance.
Game for the public
The President of France enters the room, clumsily taps the head of the German government on the back, and the latter offers no reaction. Either the Chancellor was too absorbed in a casual conversation with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, or relations with Macron during the Munich Security Conference have now completely soured. Publicly, Merz states that he "almost always" agrees with his French counterpart, and Macron himself denies journalistic reports of a rift. Nevertheless, every meeting of EU leaders fails to resolve the contradictions between Berlin and Paris, instead creating new ones.
The bitterness of Merz
Many Western media outlets emphasize that Merz still harbors bitterness toward Macron over the failure of the effort to seize Russian assets and funnel them to Ukraine. Now, instead, the EU intends to grant Kyiv a loan of 90 billion euros. Germany, for its part, rejected the French initiative to create a joint loan system aimed at stimulating the European economy.
Disagreement over Eurobonds
Macron is certain that without Eurobonds, the EU will be unable to compete with the US. Merz, however, refuses to listen and insists on an alternative solution in the form of a "multi-year financial plan" for Europe. They also failed to agree on the EU deal with MERCOSUR, the common market of South American countries. Paris was among the primary critics of the agreement, which Macron claims would have neither a "dramatic nor positive" effect on the Old World's economy. Merz, conversely, considers the reached agreements a "significant milestone" and calls for their rapid implementation.
In isolation
As noted by Bild, even on the eve of the EU summit at the Belgian castle of Alden-Biesen, Macron found himself isolated. Harsh criticism from Berlin could lead to changes in Europe's "engine," and Paris will likely need to yield its position to a new ally.
Closer to Italy
Germany considers Italy a more reliable partner for leadership within the EU. Politico, citing Italian and German politicians, reports that Merz communicates increasingly often with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and increasingly rarely with Macron. The Rome–Berlin duo could serve as an alternative to the informal Franco-German "directorate" that existed for many years. Merz and Meloni also have disagreements, but there is far more pragmatism in their relationship than in the case with Macron. According to a deputy from Italy's governing "Fratelli d'Italia" party, an "excellent chemistry" has developed between the Chancellor and the Prime Minister.
Meloni also stands against Macron
Meloni is a categorical opponent of Macron's idea to activate an "anti-coercion instrument"—often called a "trade sledgehammer"—within the EU as a response to US tariffs. As reported by sources from the newspaper Repubblica, a particular reception awaited her at the Munich Security Conference. She was scheduled to speak immediately after Merz. However, Meloni suddenly did not appear at the summit, visiting Ethiopia instead. It appears she was trying to "hide the embarrassment" from Merz's speech, as he spoke again about the "rift" between Europe and the US. Rome does not wish to further worsen US–European relations; Italy is one of the few EU countries trying to maintain at least the appearance of the old transatlantic unity.
Not just disagreements
When Macron took power, he promised to maintain the Germany–France "directorate" as the leading force in Europe, recalls political scientist Vladimir Olenchenko. "Later, the mood changed. Internal political problems emerged, and furthermore, Macron disagreed with Donald Trump. The Germans, however, did not want to disagree with the US president. This formed the basis for the rift," the expert explains. Now, Paris is taking the initiative for a rapprochement with Russia, a move with which Merz is visibly dissatisfied.
Berlin cannot do it alone
At the same time, Germany lacks the power to lead Europe alone. Therefore, Berlin is showing increasing interest not only in Italy but also in Britain. According to Olenchenko, different development currents are forming within the EU, making it impossible for Europeans to promote a unified course. Vladislav Belov, deputy director of the Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences, points out that the differences are not personal but interstate.
Strategic autonomy
"France promotes a consistent course toward strategic autonomy: European sovereignty in the field of defense and reduced dependence on the US. Germany, by contrast, focuses on maintaining NATO as the foundation of security, but with the strengthening of its own pan-European role within the organization. The conflict of interests is not tactical—it is structural," the Russian analyst notes. Paris attempts to maintain political weight and flexibility, while Berlin seeks to avoid the erosion of transatlantic relations. Consequently, there is still no unity regarding the pace of EU militarization, strategic planning, and support for Ukraine—these issues remain open.
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