That was the result of the Franco-German summit

An earlier meeting was canceled due to differences. Scholz and Macron have now presented a joint statement on EU policy.

After significant tensions in recent months, Germany and France have reiterated the importance of their friendship for the future of Europe. The German and French cabinets had previously met to discuss joint positions. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron presented the results in a press conference.

Macron emphasized the common goals of the two countries. Answers to the Russian war of aggression were developed in the talks. “We as Europeans will be where Ukraine needs us,” said Macron. The strategic partnership to expand European defense capabilities has been advanced.

The German Chancellor emphasized the importance of Franco-German unity for Europe’s progress in a world becoming “multipolar”. With regard to the Russian aggression, Scholz explained that they wanted to continue supporting Ukraine, “also with weapons”. The help will continue “as long as it is necessary and with the means that are necessary for it”.

When asked by a journalist about the delivery of battle tanks to Ukraine, Scholz reacted evasively. He pointed to the continued support of Ukraine with modern weapons, which was closely coordinated with allies. The federal government wants to continue to adhere to this principle of close coordination.

The French President also gave Ukraine no hope of a quick decision. As far as the delivery of French battle tanks is concerned, nothing is ruled out.

A joint statement by the two countries describes the points on which France and Germany want to strengthen cooperation – including cooperation on the war in Ukraine, energy supply and economic issues. However, the declaration does not mention the contentious issue of the supply of main battle tanks.

Among other things, the Franco-German brigade will hold joint maneuvers in Lithuania and Romania, a country neighboring Ukraine. A joint military exercise is also to take place in the Indo-Pacific, according to the Franco-German declaration adopted in Paris.

The two countries want to promote the climate-friendly restructuring of the economy and the expansion of renewable energies. In addition, production in the EU is to become more resilient and competitive through simplified and accelerated procedures for state aid. Before the top meeting, France had already called for a “Made in Europe” action plan with a relaxation of European financing and subsidy rules.

In addition, Germany and France have agreed to extend the hydrogen pipeline planned between Spain and Marseille in the south of France to Germany. The pipeline issue caused controversy last year. Spain and Germany had pushed for a gas pipeline, which had been in the pipeline for some time, to be built from Spain to France in order to bring gas further to Germany. France rejected this and instead agreed to build the hydrogen pipeline with Spain.

In their statement, Germany and France are now in favor of creating a European hydrogen backbone with the expansion and connection of pipelines across borders. The power grid within the EU is also to be expanded and strengthened.

The meeting was also awaited with great interest by the EU partners, because in the past EU policy has repeatedly been guided by Franco-German considerations.

Most recently, there had been differences between Germany and France on individual issues of energy and security policy. The Council of Ministers meeting was originally planned for October, but was then unexpectedly cancelled. The German side justified this with the ongoing need for coordination. From the Élysée Palace it was said that the important issues of defense and energy had to be discussed further. There was talk of a crunch in the Franco-German axis.