French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the renewed close relations between Paris and Berlin as he hosted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at his summer residence.
The meeting took place ahead of high-level talks between ministers from both countries.
Following years of tense relations with Merz’s predecessor, Olaf Scholz, the French leader said that the successful resumption of cooperation could serve as a driving force to strengthen Europe.
After the change of government in Berlin earlier this year, both leaders have “opened a new chapter in Franco-German relations,” Macron stated while welcoming his German counterpart at Fort de Brégançon on the Côte d’Azur.
“I believe the Franco-German tandem is now fully coordinated to create a stronger Europe in the areas of economy, trade, and currency,” he declared.
Merz also emphasized the importance of the “axis” between the two countries, noting that “Germany and France play a central role in this European Union, on this European continent.”
He highlighted the crucial role of unity among the EU’s 27 member states. If this unity is achieved, “then we are truly strong, and Europe becomes a global actor,” Merz said.
“Global developments show how important it is for us to become a powerful actor in the world—economically, politically, and also in terms of security,” he added.
Macron stressed that the relationship will be key to building “a Europe that asserts its geopolitical stance in the conflict in Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, and a Europe committed to rearming to ensure its own defense.”
The relationship between Macron and Merz is seen as significantly better than that with the former Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
