Changing economic and trans-Atlantic conditions have led to power restructuring in the 27-nation European Union, opening doors for more negotiating power for many smaller central and former Eastern European nations such as Hungary.

Paris sees risks for its industry and the continent’s sovereignty in Berlin’s rapid defence build-up. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s defence spending push has raised concerns about locking in procurement choices and giving German industry an advantage over its neighbours.

French German relations have been very close for decades as key partners in driving forward European integration within the EU. Can the current leaders President Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor Friedrich Merz reforge the relationship and build a Europe fit for the challenges of our times and the future? This documentary follows the two men across Europe and the world and observes their common goals as well as their differences.

This episode discusses the future of transatlantic relations and the evolution of security policy on both sides of the Atlantic. It examines France’s strategic stance and the implications of potential leadership change. It also looks at the dynamics of U.S. domestic politics – the role of political parties and civil society in curbing Donald Trump’s power, and the significance of the midterm elections. It considers what these processes mean for Europe, especially in the context of Article 5. Joining Marta Prochwicz-Jazowska, Deputy Head of the ECFR Warsaw office, in the discussion will be Thomas Gomart, director of the French Institute of International Relations, and Amanda Sloat, professor at the School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs at IE University.

As French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Japan this week for his first visit to the country since 2023, international attention was largely centered on the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Replay of the conference at Ifri, March 18, 2026
Can EU-India technological cooperation reshape global strategic balances? This conference brought together European and Indian leaders to discuss opportunities and challenges in AI, semiconductors, and digital innovation. Watch the full debate.

Multiple European countries are publicly backing talks on a homegrown nuclear deterrent to complement American atomic weapons following an erosion of trust in a Donald Trump-led U.S.

Friedrich Merz's government has criticized the idea of a joint European loan and the push for European preference in goods purchases advocated by Emmanuel Macron. These disagreements come on top of tensions over the Mercosur trade deal and how to use frozen Russian assets.