Germany and France plan to boost European defence, security and the economy, according to statements that came at the close of a state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron and government consultations near Berlin. Amid an altered security situation in Europe, France and Germany plan to strengthen European defence capabilities. “The European Union must become a true geopolitical player and guarantor of security that can respond to today’s security challenges and strengthen the international order,” the Franco-German Defence and Security Council said on Tuesday. They issued a paper calling …