The meeting on Wednesday 26 October in Paris between French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz resulted in a dialogue ” friendly “ et “constructive”announced the two parties, at a time when a multiplication of disagreements is tarnishing the relationship between the two countries.
This three-hour meeting ended with a one-on-one between the two leaders. She made it possible to mention “the perspectives towards which Europe wants and must go” and should lead in the coming weeks to “a very good and very intensive cooperation”said a German diplomatic source.
For its part, the French presidency also welcomed an exchange “very constructive”during which the two leaders “discussed the Franco-German relationship in a spirit of very close medium- and long-term work”.
Tensions between Paris and Berlin
During this meeting, the two leaders notably agreed on the fact that the European Union is facing “one of the most important crises in its history”. This led them to discuss the issues of “Security and Defense”the question “energy with a look at high energy prices and supply” or even innovation, underlined the German diplomatic source.
These three themes are sources of tension between the two capitals, Paris and Berlin not having the same ideas on the means of fighting against soaring energy prices, for example.
“On these three themes, working groups have been set up which will lead the two governments to work closely in the days to come with a view to the next steps”said the Elysee.
No joint statement
The two leaders also agreed to exchange ” before and after “ an upcoming visit to China by the German Chancellor and a trip to the United States for the French President. However, the meeting did not give rise to any joint statement from the leaders, who did not appear for a long time in front of the objectives in the courtyard of the Élysée.
On the strategy to adopt in the face of soaring energy prices, nuclear power, European armament, disagreements have multiplied in recent weeks between Paris and Berlin. Something to worry about in Europe, where the Franco-German engine remains a major driving force. Disputes, particularly over several joint industrial projects, from the combat aircraft to the tank of the future, have worsened since the start of the Russian offensive in Ukraine.