German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and France's President Emmanuel Macron greet members of the German cabinet (From L) German Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, German Economy and Energy Minister Katherina Reiche, German Minister for Education, Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth Karin Prien and German Minister for Labour and Social Affairs Baerbel Bas in the courtyard of the Augustusburg castle in Bruehl, western Germany, on July 17, 2026, prior a plenary session of the 26th German-French cabinet. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP via Getty Images)