Macron to meet German president in rare state visit, highlighting the strong Franco-German bond

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to make a historic state visit to Germany this Sunday, marking the first trip of its kind by a French president in 24 years. The visit, extended by his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier, is seen as a significant gesture of diplomatic courtesy.

The goal of the visit is to reaffirm the strong bond between France and Germany and to discuss key issues such as technology, innovation, artificial intelligence, democracy, and youth. Both countries have been working to revitalize their relationship, with efforts to find common ground on topics like nuclear power, which remains a contentious issue between the two nations.

During his visit, Macron will tour Berlin, Dresden, and Münster, and will also commemorate the 75th anniversary of the German constitution and visit the Holocaust Memorial. The state visit will be followed by a Franco-German council of ministers with Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday evening.

The timing of the visit is crucial, as both countries are facing the rise of far-right parties in the upcoming EU elections. Macron and Steinmeier will aim to demonstrate a unified European force amidst growing Euroscepticism.

Despite some concerns over potential military involvement in Ukraine, Macron and Scholz have made it clear that sending ground troops would be a red line for Germany. The visit comes at a tense moment for Europe, but both leaders are committed to strengthening the Franco-German partnership and promoting a united European front.