On Sunday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to resolve their Ukraine conflict disputes. The German chancellor visited Paris to commemorate 60 years since a momentous treaty forged a kinship between former foes that underlies the European Union. 300 politicians from Germany and France convened at the Sorbonne University. Both presidents will conduct two sessions of energy, economic, and defense talks in the Elysee Palace. “Let us utilize our unbreakable connection… to define the present and future of our continent, along with our European partners,” Scholz said at the Sorbonne event.
He claimed the European peace endeavor is at a “turning moment” after Russia invaded Ukraine last February. Putin’s imperialism will fail. We will not let Europe return to a time when violence supplanted politics and hatred and national rivalries tore our continent apart.” Macron added: “Our unshakeable support for the Ukrainian people will continue in every field.” Political expert Pierre Haski said the meeting shows France and Germany still trust each other. “This was a good opportunity… a political manifestation, a shared commitment to assist Ukraine and addressing their dilemma in Europe,” Haski added. Paris and Berlin have taken different responses to the coronavirus outbreak and its economic implications and the energy crisis caused by the Ukraine war. Russia’s invasion of its neighbor has revealed strategic divides, particularly in European negotiations over how to handle the energy crisis, punishing inflation, and future military expenditure. Macron wants “a new energy paradigm” in the EU that diversifies sources and promotes carbon-free energy.
“In times of crisis, every time there has been a crisis, France and Germany have trouble in finding a common strategy, but in the end they find it,” Haski added, citing the 2020 German-French effort to create European recovery funds to help pandemic-stricken European countries.
The discussion comes as European leaders worry that the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) could hinder transatlantic commerce by investing billions in US-made, climate-friendly technology. France considers the measure unfair since it subsidizes US electric vehicle companies and other industries. Paris wants the EU to ease state subsidy rules to speed up allocation, simplify investment assistance, and create a sovereign fund for green businesses. Berlin warns against protectionism.
