Meeting in Paris: Scholz at Macron: “Europe will not duck”

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron have jointly spoken out in favor of meeting the new course of the US government under President Donald Trump with a self-confident and united Europe. “We are strong, we stand together,” said Scholz during a short visit to Paris two days after Trump was sworn in. “Europe will not duck and hide, but will be a constructive and self-confident partner.” On this basis they want to work with Trump.

He agrees with Macron: “Europe must be strong and resilient in a world that is – to put it very carefully – on the move.” President Trump will be “a challenge” in which we want to build on the stable foundation of the transatlantic partnership.

Macron: Europe must “fully play its role”

Macron said it is now more than ever “up to us Europeans, and therefore our two countries, to play their full role to ensure a united, strong and sovereign Europe.” It’s about a Europe that feels connected to the transatlantic connection, but can also defend its own interests.

To achieve this, defense spending would also have to increase, warned Macron. When it comes to defense, Europe must above all create its own industrial foundations. “Now more than ever, the priority of Europeans must be our Europe and, above all, our competitiveness, our prosperity and our security.”

Trump has driven in the first stakes

The reason for the visit was the 62nd anniversary of the Élysée Treaty on German-French friendship. The focus, however, was on Trump’s inauguration, who already drove in the first stakes in his inaugural speech that also affect Europe. Among other things, he reiterated that he was planning import tariffs to strengthen the local economy. However, he left it open whether and when he would also direct it against Europe. Trump also canceled the Paris Climate Agreement and membership in the World Health Organization.

Macron: Strengthen the agenda for Europe

Macron spoke out in favor of further strengthening cooperation with Germany and pushing forward Europe’s development together. “Germany and France do indeed want to accelerate this agenda that we have set for Europe,” he said.

Germany and France are moving forward hand in hand and are convinced of the cooperation. “In the face of the challenges and the worries that sometimes arise, the pair we form is solid.” It has been shown over the past 62 years “that together we have the ability and can also convince our partners by pushing forward new projects for this Europe.” What is needed in current times is more ambition, boldness and more independence.

Scholz against fines for European car companies

Scholz once again spoke out against fines for European car companies that have invested heavily in e-mobility but are not yet selling enough vehicles of this type. He also called for a European summit to protect the steel industry and further reduce bureaucracy in Europe.