Merz: ‘No hierarchy’ in partners as Germany and Italy deepen ties

Germany’s growing partnership with Italy does not challenge its existing relations with France, Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed during a meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome on Friday.

“There is no hierarchy in Germany’s relationships,” Merz said. “We are happy about every country with which we have such close and cooperative relations as we do with France and Italy. And we know that we can only move forward together in this European Union,” Merz said.

Berlin and Rome are set to expand defence and economic cooperation, with greater collaboration on arms production and joint military exercises, according to an agreement signed by the leaders in Rome on Friday.

Merz and Meloni also inked a new version of a 2023 action plan on cooperation in areas ranging from internal security matters to migration and cultural heritage.

Sputtering EU “engine”

Germany and France have been linked by a friendship treaty since 1963 and together are regarded as an “engine” within the EU.

However, amid recent differences of opinion between Berlin and Paris in various areas, speculation is growing that Merz may in future favour ties with Italy’s far-right prime minister over centrist French President Emmanuel Macron.

Meloni has been at the helm of a coalition of three right-wing parties since October 2022. Her government has now lasted longer than almost any other government in post-war Italy.

The next regular parliamentary election is scheduled to take place next year, with Meloni and her Brothers of Italy party currently leading in all polls.

Macron must leave the Élysée Palace in 2027, as he cannot be re-elected after two terms in office.