German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron are proposing a new counter-measure to protect Europe's economic interests in the event of a trade war, with other countries potentially being excluded from the EU's single market.[8006743][8002758] The 'Zweitschlagswaffe' plan aims to strengthen Europe's trade position and prevent countries like China and the US from exploiting the bloc's economic vulnerabilities.[8006743] European leaders are concerned that a trade war could have far-reaching consequences for the global economy and the EU's role in international trade.[8006743] Merz and Macron's proposal is seen as a response to growing tensions between the EU and the US, as well as China's increasing economic influence.[8006743]