German and French leaders emphasize the importance of cooperation
60 years ago, German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer and French President Charles de Gaulle signed the Elysée Treaty in Paris, thus strengthening the post-war relations between the two countries and laying the foundations for close cooperation for the future development of the European continent. The leaders of the two countries then pledged to cooperate in very different areas, starting with the military and ending with youth exchange programs.
On Sunday, to commemorate this historic agreement, the entire German government, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, had arrived in Paris. The range of issues to be discussed is very wide on the agenda of both the leaders of the countries and individual heads of specific ministries – climate change, energy, European competitiveness at a time when the USA is expanding its product subsidy program and other issues.
However, undeniably, one of the most painful and urgent is the war waged by Russia in Ukraine and the aid provided by Western countries to Ukraine. As Olaf Scholz pointed out in a celebratory speech at the Sorbonne University, it is precisely because of this conflict that it is necessary to take special care of European security.
“It is we who, together with our friends and partners, are writing the next chapter of European history. We will not allow Europe to return to the times when violence replaced politics and our continent was torn by hatred and national rivalries.
This is evidenced by our decision a few days ago to supply Ukraine with armored infantry vehicles, reconnaissance vehicles and anti-aircraft batteries, in close cooperation with each other and with our American friends. And we will continue to support Ukraine. As long as necessary. Together, as Europeans, we defend our European peace project,” emphasized Scholz.
In recent weeks, Germany and especially Scholz have received a great deal of criticism for procrastination on the issue of “Leopard 2” tank deliveries to Ukraine. As the newly appointed German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has stated, there is a feeling that there is a united coalition with Germany alone standing in the way, but this is not correct. France has tried to rush Germany in various ways, announcing itself that light tanks will be delivered to Ukraine in February, and mobile artillery systems in April.
French President Emmanuel Macron also admitted that, despite the differences, Ukraine will continue to be supported.
“We continue to work for the defense of Ukraine day after day.
After February 24, our union has not been divided and we have not shirked our responsibility. And our unwavering support to the people of Ukraine will continue in all spheres,” Macron said.
As political commentators pointed out, the war in Ukraine and its consequences have crystallized the different visions of the European locomotives – France and Germany – about future security, especially because France has again started to position itself more and more actively as a military power with serious influence in the UN Security Council. Moreover, economically and energy-wise, Germany has shown how vulnerable it is without Russian gas and nuclear power.
As the “France Press” agency pointed out, Macron is also increasingly actively looking for influential European allies in order to more effectively oppose the US Inflation Reduction Act, which provides for billions of dollars in investment in US-made, climate-friendly technologies. Just a few days ago, he got such support from the Spanish president, Pedro Sanchez.
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