Decision on Franco-German fighter jet to be taken by year-end, says Merz

FILE PHOTO: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stands next to French President Emmanuel Macron as he welcomes him for bilateral talks at Villa Borsig in Berlin, Germany July 23, 2025. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner/File Photo

BERLIN (Reuters) -German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has agreed with French President Emmanuel Macron to take a decision on the future of the Franco-German fighter jet programme FCAS by the end of the year, Merz said on Wednesday.

"This will not be discussed at the upcoming government consultations (on Thursday and Friday in the south of France)," Merz told reporters in Berlin.