All articles tagged with #franco german relations
Despite warmer personal relations and some policy cooperation between French President Macron and German Chancellor Merz, their efforts to revitalize the Franco-German engine are hindered by deep divisions on defense and trade issues, with domestic political pressures and upcoming elections threatening further progress.
French President Emmanuel Macron began a three-day state visit to Germany, emphasizing the indispensable nature of Franco-German relations for Europe, especially in the face of challenges like Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the rise of authoritarianism. Despite some disagreements, particularly on issues like Ukraine and EU strategic autonomy, both Macron and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier stressed the importance of their partnership for European integration. The visit includes stops in Berlin, Dresden, and Münster, focusing on shared European challenges and celebrating democratic values.
French President Emmanuel Macron has begun a rare state visit to Germany to strengthen Franco-German ties and emphasize the importance of defending democracy ahead of the European elections. Macron and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier highlighted the enduring significance of their relationship for Europe, despite occasional policy disagreements. Both leaders stressed the need for European citizens to carefully consider their votes in the upcoming elections, amid rising nationalist sentiments. The visit also aims to commemorate the historic post-war relationship between the two nations.
French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to Germany, the first since 2000, focuses on cultural and diplomatic engagement rather than politics. Despite differences on issues like nuclear power and defense, Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz aim to showcase strong Franco-German ties. Macron will also receive the International Peace of Westphalia Prize in Münster.
French President Emmanuel Macron surprised and impressed mourners in the German parliament by delivering a eulogy for Wolfgang Schäuble predominantly in German, a language he had only briefly practiced with his German teacher. The gesture of addressing a German audience in German was a rare move for a French president and aimed to strengthen Franco-German friendship. Macron's speech, which moved Schäuble’s wife, highlighted the loss to Germany, Europe, and France. His teacher praised Macron's quick learning and absorption of information, and suggested that it's now up to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to show his commitment to Franco-German relations by practicing his French.
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit Germany from July 2 to 4, with a state banquet hosted by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on July 3. Macron is also scheduled to meet German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to discuss European and international politics. The visit comes amid disagreements between the two countries over key policy areas such as finances, energy, and how to handle China. However, France and Germany are keen to intensify their cooperation on dealing with Russia's war in Ukraine as well as issues like hydrogen, semiconductors, and defense.