France and Germany used the Franco-German Defence and Security Council to signal a clear ambition: Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defense.
The two countries pledged stronger integration with NATO while accelerating joint projects such as the Main Ground Combat System and the Next Generation Weapon System. A new “JEWEL” initiative will also develop missile early-warning systems, both ground- and space-based.
Support for Ukraine was central, with commitments to expand air defense aid, invest in Ukraine’s defense industry, and strengthen sanctions against Russia. Paris and Berlin also highlighted security in the Black Sea region and agreed to launch a joint working group.
By combining industrial cooperation with operational commitments, France and Germany are positioning themselves at the core of Europe’s defense future—seeking both sovereignty and resilience in an uncertain security environment.
Source: Élysée, Conclusions of the Franco-German Defence and Security Council, 2 September 2025.
