New French leader takes a swig of wine after Merkel torpedoes his plans to restructure the EU during their first meeting

The two met in Berlin on Macron's first full day in office signaling his intentions to move rapidly on campaign promises to revive support for the bloc by reforming and strengthening it. Ahead of his visit, the 39-year-old indicated that he wanted a joint budget, parliament and finance minister for the eurozone. The chancellor's coalition has been at odds over how to respond to his plans, with some conservatives fearful the eurozone could develop into a 'transfer union' in which Germany is asked to pay for spendthrift states. In a nod to German concerns, Macron said during a news conference with Merkel that he had never pushed for jointly issued eurobonds and does not favor European countries taking joint responsibility for old debts. Following the press conference the leaders pictured drinking wine together on the balcony of the Chancellery.