During a recent visit to Spain, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz engaged in discussions with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, addressing a range of complex issues including the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip and the future of a joint defense project.
On the topic of Israel’s actions in Gaza, Chancellor Merz acknowledged a shared perspective with the Spanish government, stating that both parties consider the actions “disproportionate”. However, he noted a divergence in language, with Germany refraining from using the term “genocide” which has been employed by Madrid. He attributed these differences to Germany’s historical context, recognizing varying interpretations and sensitivities.
Regarding potential sanctions against Israel and specifically the proposal made by the European Commission, Chancellor Merz indicated that Germany requires further internal deliberation to formulate a unified position. A decision is anticipated at an informal EU Council meeting scheduled for October 1st in Copenhagen.
The two leaders also addressed the FCAS (Future Combat Air System) program, a collaborative effort between Germany, France and Spain aimed at developing a next-generation weapons system. Chancellor Merz conceded that the project has encountered significant obstacles, particularly stemming from protracted disputes among participating companies. He committed to achieving a “solution” by the end of the year to revitalize the program, although he refrained from commenting on the possibility of Germany continuing the project with Spain independently of France.