Following a summit focused on France’s vision for “digital sovereignty” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hosted an informal dinner in Berlin Tuesday evening, bringing together French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The closed-door meeting, confirmed by government spokesman Stefan Kornelius late Tuesday, provided a platform for discussions extending beyond the summit’s specific digital agenda, encompassing traditional European concerns.
According to Kornelius, the discussions centered on the ongoing war in Ukraine, the volatile situation in the Middle East and the geopolitical implications of Iran’s nuclear program. A stated consensus emerged regarding the necessity of fostering trust and close collaboration amongst European partners on key foreign policy and security matters. Notably, the declaration emphasized the importance of including nations such as Poland and Italy in future deliberations, signaling a potential shift towards a more inclusive, pan-European security framework.
While officials presented a veneer of unity, the gathering also subtly underscores a growing tension within the European power dynamic. Macron’s persistent advocacy for digital sovereignty, a concept that challenges the dominance of American tech giants, has positioned France as a potential disruptor to established transatlantic alliances. Keir Starmer’s attendance, representing a Labour government keen to redefine Britain’s post-Brexit relationship with Europe, adds another layer of complexity.
Observers are interpreting the exclusion of public comment and the deliberate ambiguity surrounding the meeting’s outcomes as strategic maneuvers. The absence of a joint statement or detailed press briefing risks accusations of performative diplomacy, designed to project an image of European unity without committing to concrete policy changes. Furthermore, the emphasis on including Poland and Italy, both nations historically skeptical of certain Franco-German initiatives, suggests a potential effort to preemptively address potential dissent and secure broader buy-in for future European strategies. It remains to be seen whether this closed-door consensus translates into tangible action and a genuinely coordinated European response to the multifaceted challenges ahead.