It was a “good tradition” and the “expression of a deep bond” that the German Federal Chancellor’s first foreign trip was to France, said Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. He also announced a German-French new start for Europe which would involve closer cooperation in a number of political areas.

The close partnership between Germany and France seemed almost self-evident today, but really wasn’t, said Merz: rather, it was “a gift of forgiveness and reconciliation – particularly for us Germans,” and the “result of great political foresight” on the part of the French President and German Federal Chancellor over 70 years ago. In this context, Merz mentioned the forthcoming 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War on 8 May.

Key points from the Federal Chancellor’s speech:

• New start for Europe: Europe must become more secure, more competitive and more unified, said Merz, adding that this could be achieved if France and Germany stood together, “find compromises and push forward progress together with our European friends and neighbours”. 
• Strengthening defence and security: Germany and France’s aim was to “continue to expand Europe’s security and defence capability and strengthen the European pillar within NATO,” the Federal Chancellor said, adding that this also included deepening and accelerating cooperation on bilateral armaments as well as cooperation with European partners.
• A clear commitment to Ukraine: “Ukraine can continue to rely on Germany and France in its fight against Russian aggression,” Federal Chancellor Merz emphasised, adding that, together with its European partners, Germany aimed to provide Ukraine with “reliable security guarantees” and also work with the USA for a “sustainable peace.”

A transcript of the statement will be available here shortly (only german).