France, Germany seek to relaunch ties despite Ukraine strains
- French and German leaders meet at summit to mark the 60th anniversary of a friendship treaty
- Divisions have dogged Europe’s closest bilateral relation since the war in Ukraine broke out in February
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday sought to underline the importance of their nations’ post-war alliance, despite strains created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
With pressure growing on Berlin to supply Ukraine with highly regarded German Leopard tanks, Scholz stopped short of any pledge, instead insisting all allies must work together.
But Macron, whose country is already sending light tanks to Ukraine, made clear “nothing is excluded” regarding the possible delivery of French-made Leclerc heavy tanks.
Scholz was visiting Paris to celebrate 60 years of post-war cooperation at a time when the Franco-German relationship, often described as the motor of Europe, has hit unusually turbulent waters.
In addition to reported French impatience with Germany’s caution on Ukraine, differences on nuclear power, budget issues and a possible lack of personal chemistry between the two men have caused tensions.
But in a speech at the capital’s Sorbonne University, Scholz said upholding strong ties was key for the continent.