Germany-France-Military
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday opposed French plans to dissolve the joint Franco-German brigade, formed in 1987.

Talking to media representatives in Berlin, Merkel said it would be a "pity" if the brigade was to be disbanded.

She stressed the brigade was a "nucleus of European defense and security policy."
Last month, French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced plans to slash the the number of French troops in Germany, seriously endangering the future of the joint Franco-German brigade.

There are reportedly around 5,400 French and German troops serving in the brigade, based in several southwest German towns.

The brigade is also part of the Strasbourg-based Euro Corps which includes also soldiers from other European Union countries.

The German Defense Ministry is reportedly hoping to convince the French president to keep his soldiers in Germany.

Britain, the US and France have maintained military bases in Germany since the end of World War II.