Germany’s incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Paris on 7 May following his expected swearing-in on 6 May, four senior officials familiar with the plans confirmed.
The visit, aimed at revitalising strained Franco-German relations, precedes joint commemorations of the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end in Europe on 8 May, a date both leaders will mark domestically.
I will … immediately travel to Paris and very quickly travel to Warsaw.
Merz, whose CDU sealed a coalition deal with the Social Democrats (SPD) last week, said he would “immediately” engage with French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The Paris leg of his European tour is seen as critical to repairing ties frayed under outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose rapport with Macron was marred by clashes over energy policy, EU defence integration, and responses to US trade tariffs.
Both leaders are reportedly “working hard” to forge common ground on defence collaboration, trade resilience amid US president Donald Trump’s tariffs, and aid to Ukraine.
Two officials noted Merz’s team opted for 7 May to avoid overshadowing WWII anniversary events, which Macron would host separately at the Arc de Triomphe.
Discussions are also underway for Merz to visit Kyiv on 9 May, following an invitation from President Volodymyr Zelensky to EU leaders. The Paris-Warsaw-Kyiv itinerary underscores Merz’s intent to position Germany as a stabilising force in Europe.
