Merz and Macron stress united defence of Europe ahead of NATO summit

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron have reiterated their commitment to defending freedom and security in Europe ahead of the closely watched NATO summit in the Netherlands.

In a joint opinion piece for the Financial Times on Monday, the two leaders wrote that Germany and France are significantly increasing military spending to strengthen the European pillar of NATO's collective defence.

"In these testing times, Germany and France — together with our European and transatlantic friends and allies — stand united and strong, to defend our common values as well as the freedom and security of our citizens," they wrote.

The gravest threat to European stability comes from Russia, they continue, describing Moscow as the "main source of instability for Europe."

"We cannot accept it, because our aim is to protect and preserve peace on our continent," Merz and Macron said a day before the summit opens in The Hague. "For as long as the current trajectory lasts, Russia will find in France and Germany an unshakeable determination."

Beyond the Russian threat and support for Ukraine, Merz and Macron said in the Financial Times that Europe must also contend with terrorism and the defence of national territory, citizens and "interests across the globe."

A stronger and more capable European defence contributes to global and trans-Atlantic security and is essential for close cooperation with NATO, the leaders wrote.

"In a nutshell, showing unity against all threats, providing support to Ukraine and stating our determination to develop European defence capabilities and our industrial base through increased defence spending and investment are all part of the same equation," they concluded.