On Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Germany for a three-day state visit, the first by a French president in 24 years, ahead of next month’s European Parliamentary elections. Macron’s visits to Berlin, Dresden, and Muenster highlight the importance of the German-French alliance in the face of concerns such as the Ukraine conflict and Donald Trump’s probable re-election.
Macron emphasised the importance of strengthening Franco-German relations. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier reiterated this sentiment, emphasising the necessity of collaboration on geopolitical concerns such as Russia’s war in Ukraine and the United States election.
Despite differing leadership styles and public confrontations on matters like defence and nuclear energy, Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have lately reached an agreement on fiscal reform and power market subsidies. Analyst Yann Wernert pointed out that these conflicts reflect the two countries’ participation in tough issues, such as EU expansion.
The visit intends to demonstrate the effectiveness of the German-French relationship, despite ongoing differences on major subjects such as European defence. The possibility of Trump’s reelection, which could change NATO dynamics, is increasing this anxiety. Macron supports a self-sufficient European defence, whereas Germany relies on the United States’ military cover.
