Tonight, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed French Prime Minister Elisabeth Born with military honors in Berlin. The first tangible result of the warming of relations was the signing of a joint statement of energy solidarity between the two countries, which revealed a convergence of views both in support of Ukraine “to the end” and in the need for a European response to the US anti-inflationary policy.

“Friends in need support each other,” Soltz said at a joint press conference and called Germany and France “an example of European solidarity.” Ms Born was in favor of “an important text that will have a concrete effect and protect the citizens of both countries”, referring to the joint statement that France is supplying natural gas to Germany as early as mid-October, and Germany on the other hand, it will facilitate the export of electricity to France, accelerating the expansion of production capacity planned for January 2023 this month.

The two countries are also working together on a new agreement on the supply of electricity in the event of a crisis, the final version of which is expected to be presented at the next German-French ministerial meeting, the date of which is still unknown. the.

Last month, its last-minute cancellation prompted comments about a crisis in relations between the two governments. “On the eve of the 60th anniversary of the Élysée Treaty,” Elizabeth Bourne said, referring to a ceremony scheduled for January to commemorate the signing of the 1963 Friendship Treaty between the two countries.

“Today is the end of a week of intensive Franco-German contacts,” the French Prime Minister said, noting that three German ministers have visited Paris in recent days. In addition, he added, a German-French language strategy agreement was signed with the aim of “making French more popular in Germany and German more popular in France.”

The chancellor, for his part, noted that the two countries are working on a proposal – the EU’s response to the US anti-inflationary policy, which provides for large subsidies. “The French President and I very early supported the prospect of a direct EU appeal to the US and the start of negotiations on this issue. It happened and now there is a joint task force,” he added.

The two leaders also mentioned the German-French air combat system under development, assuring that it is on the right track. “Government agreement has been reached, the companies’ agreement has entered into force, so I am confident that the case will continue,” Soltz said.

Regarding the events in Ukraine, Olaf Soltz and Elisabeth Born reiterated their commitment to the continued support and solidarity of their countries against the military aggression of the Russian President. “France and Germany are in solidarity with Ukraine. The terror of Russian bombs against Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure must stop,” Mr. Scholz stressed, assuring that “Germany is constantly working to continue supporting Ukraine with the current goal of rebuilding the energy infrastructure.” “We We will support Ukraine until the end of this conflict. But we are also telling the Ukrainians that after this we will be on their side,” Ms Born said.

Source: RES-IPE