Paris and Berlin want a more resilient EU and a forum of top economies

The finance ministers of Germany and France want to strengthen competitiveness within the EU by introducing a new format of six leading economies in the bloc, according to a letter from the German minister seen by Reuters.

The EU economies are seeking to reduce their dependence on imports of critical raw materials from countries including China and address concerns that trade tariffs and fragmentation of global markets could threaten growth and investment.

"In order for Europe to survive in an increasingly unpredictable geopolitical situation, it must become stronger and more resilient," German Minister Lars Klingbeil wrote to his colleagues, adding that continuing as before is out of the question.

He and the French finance minister invited partners from Poland, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands to a video conference on Wednesday to open a new discussion forum. The aim is to clarify how European measures can be accelerated and made more ambitious, Minister Klingbeil wrote.

Specific goals include creating better financial conditions for new, fast-growing companies, strengthening the euro as a safe haven, better coordinating European defense spending, and increasing the resilience of supply chains.

(reuters, max)