French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming state visit to Germany is set to be a pivotal moment for the European Union’s two biggest powers as they aim to demonstrate unity ahead of the EU parliamentary elections next month.
Macron’s visit to Germany, which includes stops in Berlin, Dresden, and Muenster, marks the first French presidential state visit to Germany in 24 years. The trip comes at a crucial time for Europe, with major challenges such as the Ukraine war and the upcoming U.S. presidential election looming large.
Despite their differences in leadership styles, Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have recently found common ground on various issues, allowing the EU to present a more united front. However, there are still fundamental gaps on key issues like European defense, especially in light of the potential election of Donald Trump in November.
The visit will culminate in a bilateral cabinet meeting in Meseberg, where the two governments will focus on finding common ground on defense and competitiveness, as well as setting the EU agenda for the next five years. With the rise of far-right parties expected in the upcoming elections, EU decision-making could become more challenging, making Macron and Scholz’s efforts to find common ground even more crucial.
Overall, Macron’s visit to Germany is seen as a high-level attempt to showcase the strength of the German-French relationship and address key issues facing the EU. As Europe navigates through uncertain times, the unity and cooperation between France and Germany will be essential in shaping the future of the EU.