Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz hosted French President Emmanuel Macron for a two-day Cabinet retreat aimed at revitalising Franco-German relations and fostering a stronger, more unified Europe.
The leaders toured an Airbus facility, emphasising the significance of the French-German partnership in EU success stories, and engaged in private discussions during a boat cruise.
Macron stressed the importance of a strong and unified Europe, using the foundation of German-French friendship to address fundamental issues facing both nations and the broader bloc. He expressed the shared goal of making both countries and Europe a significant geopolitical, military, and technological power.
While concrete policies were not expected immediately, Macron anticipated “concrete answers” to pressing issues in the near future.
The discussions touched on various challenges, including disputes over subsidised energy prices, EU fiscal rules, and joint defense projects, reflecting recent strains in the relationship. The leaders also addressed the recent Hamas attack on Israel, pledging full support and solidarity for Israel. Scholz condemned the attacks as “barbaric,” emphasising the collective stance of Germany, France, the US, and the UK against fueling further terror in the region.
The two leaders are scheduled to hold a conference call with US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to discuss the situation in Israel before continuing their retreat on day two.
The meetings signify efforts to deepen cooperation and address shared concerns, reaffirming the historical significance of Franco-German collaboration in shaping European dynamics.
