How is the alliance between the leaders of Germany and Italy reshaping Europe?

The word “merzoni” is not a new expression that rolls off the tongue easily, nor has it fully taken root in the world of European politics.

However, months ago, Practical alliance Between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been built.

Although politicians are, in many ways, Unlikely partnersThe Union has been quietly redefining the balance of power in Europe. In the latest demonstration of this dynamic is the joint policy paper prepared by Merz and Meloni Set to be delivered to the EU partners at an informal summit on 12 February 2026, to urge reforms to improve the bloc’s competitiveness.

your Researcher in European politics, history and cultureI believe that the union was born out of necessity, but it nevertheless serves the interests of both parties – and perhaps the interests of the European Union as well.

Moving from Mercron

Post-war European politics has seen its center of gravity move before, but it has largely revolved around shifts to and from France or Germany, The two largest economies in the bloc currently. The UK’s ability to control EU policy has always been limited by its foreign policy Delay in the “European project” and contradiction at home. And it ended directly by A Referendum in 2016 Which saw the United Kingdom leave the Union.

For nearly a decade after Brexit, Europe revolved around the axis of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron. An alliance dubbed “Merkron”.“: Merkel’s clumsy charm and cautious pragmatism combined with Macron’s charisma and sweeping European idealism. Their dual management has helped guide the EU through Brexit, Donald Trump’s first presidency and the pandemic.

But times have changed.

Merkel is gone. She resigned from her position as German Chancellor in December 2021. At the same time, Macron resigned He struggled politically at home And increasingly similar to what diplomats and journalists It is described as the European “Cassandra”.“He was right in his warnings about global instability, but he is less able to rally support domestically Or across the continent To confront issues.

The end of the Merkron era coincided with countless crises facing Europe, including Russia The ongoing war in UkraineThe current unpredictability of the United States, increasing climate pressures, and immigration tensions that never stop Collapse of arms control regimes.

A comfortable assumption after the Cold War That peace in Europe was permanent He disappeared.

An unlikely partnership

Into this void entered Merz and Meloni. At first glance, the pairing seems odd.

Merz is an Atlantic conservative and an unapologetic economic liberal. His message, and the title of his book published in 2008, “Dare more capitalism“, signals a move towards an assertive pro-market agenda after years of… Cautious centrism under Merkel. Merz insists Germany must rebuild its military capacity A departure from decades of reservation at the German internal level and at the European Union level towards such a step.

Meanwhile, Melonie rose to power The nationalist right in Italy. The lineage of her original party, Fratelli d’Italia, or Brothers of Italy, It dates back to the remnants of Mussolini’s fascists. In office, however, she demonstrated political resilience, repositioning herself as a state Responsible and very successful European actor. As Prime Minister, Meloni has maintained her support for Ukraine and cooperation with the European Union – dismissing concerns about both areas before she came to power. I trained just as hard Relations with Washington – including Trump’s political campand it has been generally proven Successful strategic warfare.

Critics Call her opportunism; Fans are calling her practical. Either way, Meloni has mastered changing the political form and becoming the personal A bridge between nationalism and Europeanism.

What unites Merz and Meloni is necessity, not ideology.

Germany remains Europe’s economic engine but needs partners to push Europe toward greater defense capacity and economic competitiveness. Italy seeks to gain greater influence and credibility in the heart of Europe.

Both governments now speak the language of strategic independence: Europe must be able to defend itself and protect its interests Even if the United States becomes untrustworthy. It is also reported that the joint paper will be presented to other EU partners He puts it down“Continuing on the current path is not an option. Europe must act now.”

Europe unites against the enemy

Ironically, European unity often arises in response to crises.

Promoting Britain’s exit from the European Union Pro-EU sentiment on the mainland. Likewise, Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine Reviving NATO and European Union cooperation.

Now Trump – with his flirtation Abandoning NATO commitments, Threat of tariffs And wondering about Regional arrangements in places like Greenland It caused a shock in European political consciousness.

Recent polls show Overwhelming European support For stronger EU defense cooperation and greater unity against global threats.

For leaders like Merz and Meloni, this creates political space for policies that would have seemed unthinkable, or certainly more difficult, a decade ago, such as military buildups, defense integration, industrial protectionism, and stricter immigration policies.

Defense and military

Arguably the most dramatic change is taking place in Germany. For decades, Berlin Avoid military drivingHaunted by its history and protected by American security guarantees. That era is ending. German officials They are increasingly talking about rearmamentand European defense readiness and long-term strategic competition.

The timing could not be more urgent. Merz, who portrays Moscow’s ongoing aggression as a direct assault on European security and unity, stated in September 2025: “We are not at war; But we are no longer at peace either“.

New German-Italian Action Plan Clearly enhances cooperation In the field of defence, cybersecurity and strategic industries. Both governments emphasize loyalty to NATO, while at the same time pushing for enhanced European military capacity.

The idea of ​​a future European defense force, once dismissed as a fantasy, is now spreading seriously in policy circles. Roma are said to be planning a major purchase deal with… German weapons manufacturer Rheinmetall With a value of up to 24 billion US dollars (20 billion euros). Including hundreds of new generation armored vehicles and tanks, it will represent one of the largest joint defense projects in Europe.

The move reflects a joint push by Berlin and Rome to strengthen Europe’s military capacity while anchoring the rearmament process in European industrial partnerships.

What is the benefit of Meloni and Merz?

For Meloni, the partnership with Berlin provides legitimacy. Italy traditionally has It oscillated between European leadership and peripheral frustration. By allying with Germany, Rome returns to the heart of European decision-making.

At the same time, Meloni can present herself as a nationalist at home and indispensable in Europe. Its political positions allow it to maintain channels with Washington while remaining within the EU consensus – a balancing act that few European leaders can achieve.

At the same time, Germany is gaining political flexibility and a partner more attuned to the big picture of EU policy.

Macron An ambitious federal vision This has sometimes alienated the bloc’s more cautious partners. Italy offers a practical counterweight to Merz, focused on competitiveness, immigration control and industrial policy rather than a grand European redesign.

Macron has not been completely eliminated. France still Leads to nuclear deterrence And many diplomatic initiatives. However, the political momentum is shifting and is now in the hands of governments willing to prioritize economic competitiveness and security over institutional reform.

Will you succeed?

The Merzoni partnership faces major tests.

Italy’s economy It remains fragileThe German export model is struggling amid global economic transformations. Extremist right-wing and populist movements It continues to pose a challenge to the cohesion of the European Union. Defense integration remains a politically sensitive matter among member states.

Yet necessity often drives European integration. As crises accumulate, cooperation becomes less optional.

The real question is whether Europe is able to move from reactive crisis management to adopting a proactive geopolitical strategy. Right now, the unexpected German-Italian partnership suggests that the political map of Europe is being redrawn – not by grand federal visions, but by practical alliances shaped by fear, necessity and opportunity.