Meet Macron, Germany's New Chancellor Encourages European Union To Increase Defense Budget

JAKARTA - EU members are encouraged to increase their defense budget to fill the gap in the bloc's capabilities and secure ongoing support for Ukraine.

This was conveyed by the new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Paris on Wednesday, May 7.

"Only in this way can we gradually close the gap in our capabilities and collectively support Ukraine," Merz told a news conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, where leaders promised a new start to Europe driven by France-Germany cooperation.

This is Merz's first overseas visit as a chancellor, with a stop in Poland planned after France as the conservative leader seeks to renew relations with Germany's main ally.