Macron said that the first task for both the countries, as pioneers, should be to build together a new energy model beyond their differences
The President of France – Emmanuel Macron has said that France and Germany should together become pioneers in the refoundation of Europe.
His remarks came during the 60th anniversary celebrations of Elysee Treaty in Paris. The Élysée Treaty was a treaty of friendship signed by the Former President of France – Charles de Gaulle and Former Chancellor of Germany – Konrad Adenauer on January 22, 1963, at the Élysée Palace in Paris. With the signing of this treaty, Germany and France established a new foundation for relations, following a history with centuries of rivalry and wars.
The Chancellor of Germany – Olaf Scholz was also present on the occasion. Macron said that the first task for both the countries, as pioneers, should be to build together a new energy model beyond their differences. He said that the two allies must complete the diversification of their sources and encourage the production of carbon-free energy in Europe.
He added that the two countries should also be pioneers for innovation and technologies of tomorrow in order to build the ecological and social prosperity that unites France and Germany. Macron laid out an ambitious European industrial strategy, Made In Europe 2030, which he said would make Europe the champion of new technologies and artificial intelligence.
Taking it to twitter, Macron tweeted (translated to English), “Building our Europe for the next generation. Our common forum with Chancellor Olaf Scholz:” Original tweet in French:
Bâtir notre Europe pour la prochaine génération. Notre tribune commune avec le Chancelier Olaf Scholz :https://t.co/E3T1oPogt0
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 22, 2023
Olaf Scholz tweeted (translated to English), “Shaping our Europe for the next generation is our common goal. To this end, @EmmanuelMacron and I want to work towards 7 strategic goals – to read in our guest article in @FAZnet and @leJDD:” Original tweet in German:
Unser Europa für die nächste Generation zu gestalten, das ist unser gemeinsames Ziel. Dafür wollen @EmmanuelMacron und ich auf 7 strategische Ziele hinarbeiten – zu lesen in unserem Gastbeitrag in der @FAZnet und im @leJDD: https://t.co/w1L2dg1yqL
— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) January 22, 2023
Olaf said that the future of Europe depends on the driving force of Germany and France. He said that upholding strong ties was key for the continent.
The celebrations were held amidst growing pressure on Germany to supply Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine to help them fight against the Russian invasion. Germany has so far resisted form sending the Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. It is skeptical of military involvement and wary of further escalation in the conflict in Ukraine. Germany says it will allow sending Leopard tanks to Ukraine if the United States (U.S.) agrees to send its own tanks including M1 Abrams to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Macron, who is already sending light tanks to Ukraine, said that nothing is excluded regarding the possible delivery of French-made Leclerc heavy tanks.
Poland has requested Germany to allow them to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, but Germany said they haven’t received any official request from Poland. The Foreign Minister of Germany – Annalena Baerbock said that Germany will not block Ukraine from sending Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.
On the sidelines of 60th anniversary celebrations, the 23rd Franco-German Council of Ministers was also held where topics such as economy, energy transition, defense and European policy were discussed. In a joint declaration, the two countries agreed to increase collaboration in space and cyberspace.
