Steinmeier and Macron affirm Franco-German cooperation in Paris

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Paris for a state visit that served as a dual farewell, as both leaders are scheduled to leave office in 2027.

Addressing international concerns regarding recent German election results and the rise of the AfD, Steinmeier assured that Germany will remain a committed and central member of the European Union. He stated, “Even with everything that is changing for us economically, politically, and especially in security policy, Germans will remain good Europeans.” He emphasized that Germany’s success is inextricably linked to its integration within the EU.

President Macron echoed this sentiment, stressing that the progress of Europe depends on the joint advancement of France and Germany. He noted that cooperation between the two nations is vital to strengthening democracy against rising skepticism and conspiracy theories. Both leaders acknowledged the increasing difficulty of implementing reforms amidst societal polarization and economic growth crises.