politics
February 18, 2026
Germany rebukes Macron over defense spending
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has rebuked French President Emmanuel Macron for failing to back “strategic autonomy” with cash
TL;DR
- German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul accused French President Emmanuel Macron of failing to deliver on his calls for European strategic autonomy.
- Wadephul urged France to increase military expenditure at the expense of social spending, citing Germany's own "difficult discussions" and austerity measures.
- Recent disputes between Paris and Berlin include disagreements over a next-generation European fighter jet and EU trade deals.
- Reports suggest a weakening Franco-German axis, with Berlin aligning more closely with Italy.