Scholz and Macron wrote a joint article for the German Frankfurter Allgemeine and the French Journal du Dimanche on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Elysee Consensus.
Mentioning in the article that the first major challenge now is to ensure that Europe has a more sovereign and geopolitical capacity to shape international order, the two leaders said:
“For a strong Europe of tomorrow, we must invest more in our armed forces and in the foundations of our defense industry in Europe. This will improve our defense capabilities and therefore also strengthen transatlantic links. Developing European capabilities and a stronger European pillar in NATO will bring us to the Atlantic. It will make it a stronger partner for the United States on the other side of the United States. It will be better equipped, more efficient and more effective in tackling major international military challenges.”
Stressing that they are determined to realize the dreams of former Chancellor Konrad Adenauer and former French President Charles de Gaulle, Scholz and Macron used the following words in the article:
“We are determined to make the European Union an even stronger leader of hope when our children grow up and become citizens of this continent. We know from our many conversations that our partners and friends in Europe share this belief. We want to make this belief a reality with them. We want to work in line with the strategic purpose.”
Stating that geopolitical power depends not only on military tools, but also on flexibility and the ability to be forward-looking in strategic areas, the leaders noted that they will increase the diversity in strategic resources, strengthen their capabilities in critical areas, and set out to become the world’s first carbon-neutral continent.
Stating that national choices will be accepted in the energy mix, Scholz and Macron said:
“Above all, we will focus on renewable and low carbon power sources, power efficiency measures, strong medium contacts and the use of hydrogen, which we will both produce and import. We will work to improve the functioning of the electricity market and participate in joint gas procurement at the European level. We want to strengthen our strategic partnerships with all those who work to preserve the international system. We want to promote free and fair trade as the cornerstone of our prosperity. We want to promote an argumentative trade agenda with the WTO at its center (World Trade Organization) to put our commercial relations on a broader basis, and around the world. We support contemporary trade agreements with our partners on the one hand.”
Stressing the importance of the effort with climate change, Scholz and Macron pointed out that they will give reinforcements to citizens to overcome the challenges of ecological transition.
The two leaders emphasized that they will strive for an ambitious strategy that will support the competitiveness of the European industry and create an environment that encourages competition and innovation.
Stating that individual freedoms, the rule of law, democratic participation and the protection of its citizens are the main costs and principles of the EU, Scholz and Macron emphasized that the EU should continue to protect European citizens and their freedoms.
The two leaders, who called for the establishment of international standards in the digital field as well as their efforts for the rule of law and personal freedoms, said, “Imports to the EU must comply with our security, human rights, environmental and social standards.” he used his word.
Scholz and Macron pointed out that they want to ensure freedom of movement, especially for students, and that effective inspections should be carried out at the external borders of the EU.
Evaluating the Western Balkan countries, Scholz and Macron stated that they are working for rapid and concrete progress regarding the enlargement of the EU.
The President of France and the Chancellor of Germany, at the same time, stated that an enlarged EU should be ensured to continue its ability to act with more efficient institutions and rapid decision-making processes, and specifically requested that decisions be taken by qualified majority in the EU Council.
Emphasizing that Germany and France agreed on the fundamental issues of Europe on the anniversary of the signing of the Elysee Agreement, the two presidents said, “We are following the exact goals for a resilient, strong and dominant EU. We are working with determination to find common answers that we want to consult with our European partners in areas where we disagree.” made its assessment.
