Joan Larroumec presented the tensions between France and Germany as a result of increasing competition, particularly in the defense industry. He indicated that Berlin planned military spending of €108 billion in 2026, compared to €57 billion for Paris, and nearly €140 billion in 2027. According to him, Germany was seeking to use these expenditures as a lever for economic transformation, while its historical industrial model was weakened. Larroumec notably cited the decline in German exports to China, which he claimed fell from €106 billion in 2022 to €81 billion in 2025, as well as a reduction of 142,400 jobs in the German automotive industry since 2019. He also wrote that German defense start-ups had received $3.5 billion in investments in 2026, compared to $375 million in France, and that Berlin had concluded a framework agreement with Helsing and Stark that could reach €4.3 billion. He estimated that this strategy heightened rivalries between the two countries and jeopardized their joint programs. He reported that Paris and Berlin acknowledged on June 8 that the SCAF could not be successfully executed, and that the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces announced Germany's abandonment of the MGCS tank program. He also mentioned competition in drones, artificial intelligence, and space, where, according to him, Germany was seeking to reduce France's position. Finally, Larroumec argued that France's financial difficulties limited its ability to invest in defense and risked weakening its industry. He stated that French and German interests were becoming increasingly misaligned and that this situation could lead to chaotic episodes in Europe. #France #Allemagne #Défense (translated)
