00:00German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz received French President Emmanuel Macron in Berlin on Wednesday.
00:05European defence projects, including the F-CAS fighter jets and MGCS tanks,
00:11were one of the most important topics for both the leaders,
00:14who met at a villa for dinner on the outskirts of Berlin.
00:17The projects are currently at risk, as cooperating companies are technically rivals,
00:21which isn't helped by Macron stepping down in 2027,
00:25meaning the leaders, often referred to as Europe's power couple,
00:28only have a year together before France enters the hot phase of the election campaign
00:33and Macron will be viewed as largely irrelevant.
00:36Also top of the agenda for the talks was tariff negotiations between the EU and the US,
00:41as the deadline for 30% blanket tariffs on European goods is rapidly approaching.
00:47A deal is thought to be imminent.
00:49With Europe standing on the crossroads, not only in terms of defence,
00:54but also energy, trade and EU policies,
00:57the leaders have a lot to discuss whilst time is still on their side.
01:02Liv Stroud, in Berlin, for Euro News.
