Germany and France generating strong momentum for the EU

The current crises call for close cooperation between Germany and France, particularly on the issue of Ukraine and the question of joint security guarantees.

On Friday, leading government members from Berlin and Paris are therefore gathering in Toulon for the first Franco-German Council of Ministers under the new German Government. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Emmanuel Macron agree that the Franco-German alliance must once again become the engine of Europe. Eight joint strategy papers and twenty beacon projects will therefore shape future cooperation in key sectors such as industry, technology, research, quantum physics, artificial intelligence and defence.

With our closest neighbours, we share the view that in Toulon the focus needs to be on reduction of bureaucracy and on joint innovation in order to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness. After all, the EU internal market is our greatest strength. Now is the right time to take bold steps towards expanding and intensifying this market. Consensus between Germany and France is the key to generating new momentum for the EU. Only if its members work together can the EU act as a global player and deal with challenges such as economic competitiveness and security policy.

Support for Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East on the agenda of the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers

Immediately after the talks in Toulon, Foreign Minister Wadephul will travel to Copenhagen with his French counterpart Barrot for the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers, the so called Gymnich meeting.

Alongside increased support for Ukraine and the question of reliable security guarantees, new sanctions packages targeting Russia are at the top of the agenda. The meeting, to which representatives from Iceland, Norway, the United Kingdom and Ukraine have also been invited, is a symbol of pan European unity.

The situation in the Middle East is another prominent issue, particularly the humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip, the developments in the West Bank and the situation in Iran.

European foreign policy must maintain its united front and its capability to act in the face of a myriad of crises. In conclusion, the ministers will therefore discuss their working methods as well as ways to make decision making more efficient, for example through qualified majority voting.
With the meetings in Toulon and Copenhagen, Germany, France and their European partners are sending a clear message for a united, strong Europe which confronts challenges in a spirit of solidarity and works actively to find solutions to promote peace, security and competitiveness.