Federal Chancellor Scholz in Paris
Russia’s war against Ukraine, the shift to the right in Europe and the future role of the USA: Europe faces a number of major challenges. It is precisely in times like these that Europe depends on the Franco-German partnership, said Federal Chancellor Scholz in his press statement in Paris.
- Transcript of press conference
- Wednesday, 22 January 2025

The Franco-German friendship was sealed with the Élysée Treaty. Since then, a close political and friendly partnership has developed.
Photo: Federal Government/Steffen Kugler
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Paris on 22 January 2025, exactly 62 years after the signing of the Treaty on Franco-German Cooperation, or Élysée Treaty. A milestone in the reconciliation and friendship between the two countries, the treaty is more relevant today than ever. Scholz and Macron discussed the current challenges facing Europe – and what form a Franco-German response might take.
The key facts at a glance:
- Europe must be strong and resilient: With its war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia has struck at the heart of the European peace order. What is more, the far right is increasingly seeking to sew divisions within Western society, and the new US administration is already making many decisions that will have an impact on Europe, too. According to Federal Chancellor Scholz, there is only one answer to this: “We will remain strong and stand together.” As far as support for Ukraine is concerned, the Federal Chancellor left no doubt as to his position: “Ukraine can rely on Germany.”
- Strengthening the European pillar of NATO: “NATO is key to guaranteeing the security of Europe and the stability of transatlantic relations,” said Federal Chancellor Scholz, adding that it was particularly important to strengthen the European pillar. Much had already been achieved here, Scholz noted: defence spending was on the increase in European countries, and there had been collaboration on weapons systems. There had also been closer cooperation between Germany and France in the area of defence and armaments, the Federal Chancellor said, though he added that more needed to be done in this area.
- Germany and France for Europe: Germany and France have accomplished a lot together in the past. The two countries have now jointly adopted an agenda for competitiveness and growth in the EU. On this point, the Federal Chancellor said that rather than imposing penalties on car manufacturers, it was important for Europe to invest more in e-mobility, protect the European steel industry and do more to cut red tape for businesses.
You can read a transcript here (only German).