Merkel’s French counterpart Emmanuel Macron has been pushing for the creation of a combined EU military force that could be deployed to trouble spots around the world. The idea had so far received a frosty reception in Berlin, with defense minister Ursula von der Leyen saying the idea was “not an imminent project for tomorrow.” So Merkel’s intervention represents a significant change of tone.[...]
Merkel said the initiative “needs to fit into the structure of defense cooperation,” which she said should bring down the number of different EU weapon systems from 180 to “about 30.” [...]
The German leader also supported Macron’s idea of inviting Britain — which has the second-largest army in the EU — to join that force even after it leaves the bloc. “We can additionally open that initiative to a country like Great Britain,” Merkel said. [...]
Asked about Macron’s proposals for closer eurozone cooperation, Merkel said she could envisage a future European Monetary Fund paying out short-term credit lines, on top of the long-term credits already provided by the European Stability Mechanism. [...]
The German chancellor also defended the Spitzenkandidat (or lead candidate) principle for selecting the Commission president, but said the system would need to change with time. “In the long run this will only work if the lead candidate is on top of a transnational list, meaning he can be elected in all countries. Only then will he be independent from a decision of his home country’s government to nominate him.” Currently lead candidates are selected by EU-wide party groups but citizens cannot vote for them directly.
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