To accomplish that task, he will need to repair ties with the U.S. and allies, end an immigration crisis and kick-start the sluggish German economy.

Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron — firm believers in the European Union and leaders of the continent's largest economies — used their first meeting since the German leader’s appointment Tuesday to show unity on Ukraine and other issues causing alarm in Europe. They vowed to strengthen the continent’s security and increase defense spending.