France, Germany and Poland
Can the Weimar Triangle Provide European Leadership?

Chancellor Merz's first day in office: selfie pictures with President Macron in Paris, 7 May 2025.

X/@EmmanuelMacron

That European policy would be a defining priority for the new federal government was something Friedrich Merz made clear from the outset. He brought Germany's sitting ambassador to the EU back to Berlin as his adviser on European affairs, and with the appointment of his party colleague Johann Wadephul, foreign policy returned fully to the hands of the Chancellor's party — for the first time since 1966.

The so-called “German vote” in the EU — Germany’s habitual abstentions in Brussels due to internal disagreements between federal ministries — is now meant to be consigned to the past. Yet Merz, in a major foreign policy speech, issued an early warning: “Our most pressing task is to repair our relations with our two most important neighbours in Europe: Poland and France.”

The Chancellor wasted no time in signalling this shift. His very first official trip took him to Paris — and, later that same day, on to Warsaw. The governing parties in Berlin had already pledged in their coalition agreement to strengthen ties with both countries: “Within the Weimar Triangle, we will seek close coordination on all key questions of European policy, in order to act more unitedly in the service of the EU as a whole.”

Tusk: “The future of Europe depends on how this triangle functions”

At a joint press conference with Merz in Warsaw, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk voiced a certain frustration with the format, noting that it had “not always been used to its full potential.”

“The Weimar Triangle has existed for many years — it sounds appealing, and there are meetings — but the political effectiveness of this triangle has not always been adequate. It has not always reflected the political weight of these three countries. At times, Franco-German, Franco-Polish, or Polish-German relations have not been at their best. It is time to put an end to that.” 

France and Poland signed a Friendship and Cooperation Treaty on 9 May 2025 in Nancy, France.

CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 PL; Polish Government

Turning to Merz, he added, “Because the future of Europe depends on how this triangle functions. What it needs now is fresh energy, new momentum. I know you’re committed to it. And for that, my sincere thanks.”

What drew less attention, however, was that the Polish-French side of the triangle is also gaining strength. Just after his meeting with Merz, Tusk travelled on Europe Day (9 May) to Nancy, where he signed a friendship and cooperation treaty with President Emmanuel Macron — including a mutual defence clause.

France had previously signed such an extensive agreement only with Germany, a fact noted with appreciation by the Polish government.

A Power Centre in Europe: Can Berlin, Paris and Warsaw Lead Together?

The trio carries significant weight in Europe. Together, they account for 41% of the EU’s population and generate nearly half of its gross domestic product. They also possess the continent’s strongest armed forces.

It is therefore no surprise that eyes turn to Paris, Berlin and Warsaw when it comes to the EU’s capacity for decisive action. Political gridlocks, mistrust and contrasting interests continue to paralyse the Europe of 27 member states — so how can these three capitals bridge the gaps?

Drawing on his own experience, Member of the European Parliament Markus Ferber observes: “Europe faces a problem: we need member states willing to take responsibility not only for themselves but for others. I believe the Weimar Triangle could become an engine at the heart of Europe.” 

But, Ferber adds, the trio must bring others along with it. “Helmuth Kohl taught me when I was a young member of parliament, ‘Never forget the smaller member states!’” 

Markus Ferber, Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the Hanns Seidel Foundation: "We need member states willing to take responsibility not only for themselves but for others."

Henrik Bauscher/HSS Europe

Bridging Differences: The Triangle as a Model for Europe

For Bundestag member Thomas Silberhorn, it is clear that constructive dissent must be at the heart of the triangle: discussing differing interests and opinions to clarify discrepancies — and then defining shared objectives.

“The cooperation between France, Germany and Poland is important because, within the European Union, we often disagree on many issues. When we can reach agreement, it sets an example that can help persuade other member states.”

Silberhorn cites energy policy as a good example, where different approaches prevail. “France relies on nuclear power, Poland on coal-fired plants, and Germany on renewables. Together, this creates an important energy mix for the entire European single market.”

Stronger Together to Defend Europe

“Multilateral formats, like the Weimar Triangle, need to be activated to align our strategic concepts,” Thomas Silberhorn warns.

Henrik Bauscher/HSS Europe

With Russia’s war in Ukraine and Europe’s efforts to become capable of defending itself against Russia by 2030, defence policy has moved to the forefront of the Weimar agenda. 

“Germany and France are unquestionably Poland’s key partners in the EU. Strengthening the Weimar Triangle is one of Poland’s top priorities,” emphasises Weronika Frydryszek, Poland’s ambassador to the EU’s Political and Security Committee.“The stability and security of Europe, as well as the global order, are under threat. In this challenging environment, cooperation within the triangle is becoming ever more critical to building a united, strong and resilient Europe.”

The French parliamentarian Natalia Pouzyreff also identifies a crucial area for action: “We must pull together, and our priority should be supporting Ukraine.” She calls for greater coordination of military equipment and operational capabilities. However, NATO remains central in this endeavour. 

Last year, Pouzyreff travelled to Washington with parliamentary colleagues from the triangle, aiming to rally support for Europe primarily among Trump’s MAGA Republicans. Yet, she insists, Europe must show greater initiative itself to strengthen the European pillar within NATO — whether in military exercises or the development of new technological systems.

Michał Szczerba, a former member of the Polish Sejm and now a Member of the European Parliament, likewise stresses the importance of transatlantic relations. “It is the role of our three countries to maintain these ties despite all difficulties.” At the same time, he emphasises the necessity of ensuring adequate defence funding within the EU. He particularly hopes for closer cooperation among the defence companies of the triangle.

Parliamentarians from France, Germany and Poland discussed European politics with an audience in Brussels, such as defence cooperation, energy supply and people-to-people contacts in Europe.

Henrik Bauscher/HSS Europe

“We are falling far short of our potential,” says Silberhorn, who served as a Deputy Minister of Defence. He points to the fact that Poland is purchasing tanks from South Korea, while the Bavarian defence industry failed to deliver a transport helicopter now being procured from the United States. Cooperation with France on the development of a modern fighter jet under the FCAS project is also becoming increasingly complicated the longer negotiations drag on. “We are losing time. Our multilateral formats, like the Weimar Triangle, need to be activated to align our strategic concepts,” Silberhorn warns.

At the invitation of the Hanns Seidel Foundation, members of parliament presented these perspectives to a Brussels audience. “The discussion made clear: we are facing particular challenges. In 2027, both Poland and France will hold parliamentary and presidential elections — and the question will be which political forces will shape policy in the years ahead,” concluded the Foundation’s chairman, Markus Ferber. 

“That makes it all the more important to demonstrate that the Weimar Triangle is capable of offering joint solutions to Europe’s major challenges — and mastering those challenges together.”