A dramatic new forecast from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warns that Europe’s sovereign debt situation could quickly get out of hand unless the region takes immediate and action steps to its public finances.

Germany will take part in France’s biggest nuclear drill “Poker” for the first time this autumn in historic step for bilateral defence.

The unprecedented military integration is likely to officially be finalized at a strategic dialogue between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders will meet at the Franco-German Defence and Security Council to be hosted at the Nörvenich Air Base on Friday, July 17th.

The talks are expected to “strengthen the mutual cooperation” in the “very sensitive” sphere of nuclear deterrence, officials said. This will be done mainly by the incorporation of German military men in the strategic exercises of the French.

Strengthening European nuclear deterrence

The annual “Poker” exercise is one of the key elements of France’s independent nuclear deterrent, and is designed to mimic an air-launched nuclear attack. The new military cooperation comes immediately after President Macron’s proposals to boost Europe’s nuclear cooperation over its long-term security concerns.

The meeting will mark “significant progress” in the joint European security and defence, an official of the Élysée Palace said.

In addition to joint military training, other future areas of cooperation could involve the temporary deployment of France’s nuclear-powered Rafale fighter jets on other EU countries. These are increasingly becoming the aircraft of choice for the region, and Ukraine recently also inked a specialized loan deal to buy its own Rafale fleet to bolster its defence outfit.