Macron kicks off first state visit to Germany in over two decades.
French President Emmanuel Macron began a three-day state visit to Germany on Sunday, his first in over two decades, as both countries seek to reinforce the critical bilateral relationship within the EU.
Macron held talks with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Sunday and will meet Chancellor Olaf Scholz later in the week. This year, Germany marks over 80 years since the D-Day landings.
The visit is crucial, with tensions arising over Ukraine’s war responses and different views on strategic autonomy. However, officials say fundamental ties remain strong between Europe’s two key powers.
On Tuesday, Macron will deliver a speech in Dresden emphasizing European unity ahead of EU polls. He is likely to warn voters of far-right dangers, as polls show his coalition may struggle in the elections.
Germany was surprised by France’s ruling out troop deployment in Ukraine. Unease exists over Macron’s foreign policy theatrics. However, experts say the relationship’s true strength lies in finding a compromise.
Last month, Macron gave a seminal speech arguing Europe faces an “existential” choice post-Ukraine war. Past German objections to French strategic autonomy notions underscore occasional friction.
The visit aims to reaffirm Franco-German cooperation as the cornerstone of the EU project. Scholz-Macron talks on Tuesday aim to enhance coordination on the bloc’s challenges.
