Before the meeting in Brussels between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and France’s president Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday, their foreign ministers-Johann Wadephul (CDU) and Jean‑Noël Barrot-told the press on Tuesday evening that an agreement could be reached on the future of the FCAS, the multi‑billion‑euro fighter‑air‑craft project.
Barrot said the solution would come not from the companies involved but from political leadership, noting the sharply different perspectives of German and French firms at the “Europe 2026” conference. He added that a good outcome for the FCAS project would be found.
Wadephul echoed this optimism, stressing that this is the moment to expand the European Union, not only into the West Balkan region but also toward Iceland and Norway. He also said the EU would welcome the return of the United Kingdom “with open arms” and hinted that Canada might join sometime in the future; he himself was open to Canada’s involvement.