Crossroads Express

French President Emmanuel Macron hosted separate meetings with German opposition leader Friedrich Merz and British Labour leader Keir Starmer aboard a boat on the Seine River in Paris. The meetings highlight Macron's outreach to potential future leaders in Europe amid political shifts and uncertainty. Macron's meeting with Merz, leader of Germany's Christian Democrats, suggests a focus on maintaining strong Franco-German relations regardless of Germany's future government. Discussions likely covered key European issues like defense, energy, and economic policy, areas where Franco-German cooperation is crucial for EU stability and direction. The meeting with Starmer reflects Macron's acknowledgement of Labour's potential to win the next UK general election. Talks probably centered on improving Franco-British relations after Brexit, exploring avenues for cooperation on security, trade, and climate change. Macron aims to establish a working relationship with a potential future UK leader, ensuring France's interests are considered in post-Brexit Europe. These meetings demonstrate Macron's proactive approach to European diplomacy, building relationships with leaders who could significantly influence the continent's political landscape. They underscore France's desire to maintain its influence within Europe by fostering dialogue and collaboration with diverse political actors. find the original article here: https://www.yahoo.com/news/macron-meets-merz-starmer-aboard-231211364.html