Status: 01/22/2023 2:16 p.m
France and Germany celebrate 60 years of the Élysée Treaty with a ceremony in Paris. President Macron appealed that both countries should lead the way in shaping the future of Europe. Chancellor Scholz thanked France “with all my heart”.
French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Germany to become “pioneers in the re-founding of our Europe” together with France. This role comes to the two neighboring countries because they walked the path of reconciliation together after the Second World War, said Macron at the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Elysée Treaty in Paris.
It is about the future, environmentally friendly energy supply, investments in ecological change, greater independence in the supply of raw materials, but also about defense issues. An ambitious European industrial strategy is needed that protects production in Europe, as well as a “Made in Europe 2030” strategy that makes Europe a pioneer in future technologies and artificial intelligence.
Joint pioneering work is required for an EU capable of establishing itself as an independent geopolitical power. “To speak about Germany for a French person is to speak about a part of yourself,” Macron said, describing the special connection between the two countries. “Two souls in one breast, that’s us.”
Scholz thanks France “from the bottom of my heart”
Chancellor Olaf Scholz thanked France for its friendship. “Thank you, Mr. President – thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said the SPD politician in French to Macron in Paris. He also thanked the French: “Thank you, our French brothers and sisters, for your friendship,” Scholz continued in French.
Scholz stressed the need for a sovereign Europe for which both countries worked together. “By bundling our strengths where the nation states alone have lost their assertiveness – in safeguarding our values in the world, in protecting our democracy against authoritarian forces. But also in the competition for modern technologies, in securing raw materials, in the energy supply or in space travel,” he said.
Scholz promised Ukraine the continued support of the Europeans. “We will continue to support Ukraine – for as long and as comprehensively as necessary. Together, as Europeans – to defend our European peace project”.
Bas emphasizes the importance of unity
Bundestag President Bärbel Bas (SPD) also emphasized the Franco-German friendship and the unity of Europe in the face of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. A short time ago, the following still applied: “Peace seemed self-evident, especially for the younger generation,” said Bas at the ceremony. For almost a year people have been dying in Europe in a criminal war.
She also pledged support for Ukraine’s reconstruction and on its way to the European Union. From the very beginning of the war, Europe had shown overwhelming solidarity with the attacked country, which was also in its own interest. “It’s about the security of our continent.” It is also about values such as freedom, the rule of law and democracy.
“Europe needs the Franco-German tandem”
But this also requires cohesion within Europe, emphasized Bas. “We can only assert our values internationally if Europe is strong internally.” Geopolitical upheavals, climate change, economic challenges and migration demanded joint responses.
“Our partnership plays a key role in tackling the great challenges of our time,” Bas said of the Franco-German relationship. There are also different traditions and ideas. The strength lies in turning these differences into progress for Europe. “Europe needs the Franco-German tandem.”