Macron and Scholz focus on strengthening Middle East, Ukraine, and EU relations at meeting

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron met today in Meseberg, Germany, to discuss pressing issues in the Middle East, the conflict in Ukraine, and the future of Europe. The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the Franco-German Council of Ministers, focused on finding solutions to the ongoing crises in the region.

One of the key topics of discussion was the situation in the Middle East, particularly in light of the recent Rafah attack. Both leaders expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and emphasized the need for Israel to respect international law and provide humanitarian aid to those in need in Gaza. Macron and Scholz also agreed that there are currently no safe zones for Palestinian civilians and called for the recognition of a Palestinian state at the right time.

Turning their attention to the conflict in Ukraine, Macron stressed the importance of Ukraine’s Armed Forces being able to neutralize Russian bases from where missiles are launched. He questioned how Ukrainians can be expected to protect their cities if they are not allowed to target the source of the attacks. The upcoming 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings will see Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in attendance, highlighting the ongoing support for Ukraine from European leaders.

In addition to addressing these pressing international issues, Macron and Scholz also discussed the need for a stronger and more independent Europe. They emphasized the importance of reducing strategic dependencies and strengthening the EU’s internal market to foster innovation and competitiveness. Both leaders called for increased investments, particularly from private sources, to keep capital within the EU and support growth and development.

Scholz highlighted the need for an integrated European financial market, while Macron criticized the trend of European savings being invested outside of the continent, particularly in the United States. They proposed the creation of a European savings product aimed at using private capital for growth, in an effort to keep investments within the EU and boost economic development.

The meeting between Scholz and Macron underscored the close partnership between Germany and France in addressing global challenges and shaping the future of Europe. Their discussions on the Middle East, Ukraine, and economic independence highlighted the shared commitment to finding solutions to complex issues and building a stronger, more resilient Europe.

As the leaders continue to work together on these critical issues, the world will be watching to see how their collaboration and cooperation can make a difference in the region and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.