Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has called for the United Kingdom, Germany, and France to deepen their cooperation on migration and defence policies. Speaking ahead of a key European summit, Merz emphasised the need for a unified approach to tackle pressing transnational issues.
A Tripartite Alliance for Stability
Merz argued that the three nations – Europe's largest economies – must align their strategies to manage migration flows more effectively while bolstering collective security. "Our shared interests demand closer coordination," he stated, highlighting growing concerns over irregular migration and geopolitical instability.
Migration: A Shared Challenge
The CDU leader stressed that migration policies require European solutions, noting that unilateral approaches often shift burdens to neighbouring states. He proposed:
- Harmonised asylum procedures
- Joint border protection initiatives
- Enhanced returns agreements
Defence Cooperation in Uncertain Times
On defence, Merz advocated for increased military collaboration between the three powers, particularly in:
- Technology sharing
- Joint procurement programmes
- Coordinated response strategies
This comes as European nations reassess their security postures following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Political Implications
Merz's proposal signals a potential shift in Germany's approach to post-Brexit relations with Britain. While acknowledging political differences, he emphasised that "practical cooperation cannot wait for perfect alignment."
The initiative may face challenges, particularly regarding Britain's independent foreign policy stance and France's traditional preference for EU-centric solutions. However, experts suggest growing security threats could overcome these hurdles.
