Macron's First Official Visit to Germany in 24 Years Marks Strong EU Ties Ahead of Elections

Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, led a government delegation to Berlin on Sunday. This is the first official visit by a French president to Germany in 24 years. According to the Associated Press, the purpose of this three-day visit is to emphasize the strong relations between the two main powers of the European Union ahead of the European Parliament elections. Far-right parties in both countries hope to gain seats in the upcoming elections. Macron has visited Germany multiple times, but this is the first 'official visit' by a French president since Jacques Chirac's trip to Germany in 2000. Macron will discuss with the German president, who has a more ceremonial role, and the chancellor of the country. Several ministers are accompanying him. Paris and Berlin are trying to coordinate their positions on the European Union and foreign policy. This visit coincides with Germany celebrating the seventy-fifth anniversary of its post-World War II constitution. In November, it will also celebrate the thirty-fifth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Germany and France, which have the largest economies in the EU, have long been seen as the engine of European integration, although there have been differences in policies and priorities between the two neighbors on a range of issues. These differences were evident earlier this year regarding whether Western countries should support the deployment of ground troops to Ukraine. Both countries are strong supporters of Kyiv. Macron warned that if Europe cannot strengthen its defense system amid the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine, or if it cannot implement significant trade and economic reforms to compete with China and the U.S., it will perish. Regarding the European Parliament elections next month, Macron stated that 'the fear of a changed world' contributes to the rise of the far-right in Europe. He said that extremism is fed when 'we allow these fears to turn into anger.' Macron emphasized the need to listen to people's concerns 'with respect' and to have greater 'efficiency' in addressing their problems.