Scholz and Macron aim to moderate the EU's unanimity requirement.
The dynamic between Germany and France can sometimes be tense. Chancellor Scholz is attempting to showcase his harmony with Macron by partially eliminating unanimity rules in the EU Council. However, there are some countries that are standing in the way of this.
Leading up to Emmanuel Macron's three-day visit to Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the close partnership between the French president and himself on several significant EU initiatives. Scholz mentioned, "We're in perfect agreement that we must try to abolish unanimity in certain areas of the Council of European Union Heads of State and Government." Unanimity in areas such as foreign or tax policy across the 27 EU member states would lead to more decisive action by the bloc. "The good news is, we can make that happen easily," Scholz declared. This change wouldn't require a treaty modification, he added, "all we need is a simple agreement to adopt a two-thirds majority in the Council from now on." Nations like Hungary have thus far been resistant to this proposal.
While at a citizen dialogue in Berlin, Scholz also highlighted an "alliance" with Macron to establish an effective capital market union in the EU. This may sound obscure, but it's paramount for financing investments in the EU. The EU is desperate to catch up with the US on this front. The primary aim is to allocate saved funds more promptly and regularly in EU nations.
Scholz expressed support for Macron's suggestions on fortifying European defense capabilities - even nuclear capabilities. Simultaneously, CDU leader Friedrich Merz criticized the lack of dialogue between Germany and France regarding the ZDF (Second German Television). "The chemistry between Scholz and Macron just doesn't click," Merz stated. "But with him and the French president, it's a different story."
Macron touched down at Berlin's airport in the afternoon and was received by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier with military honors at Schloss Bellevue. Steinmeier and Macron will then attend the Democracy Festival to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Basic Law and commemoratively mark the launch of the German-French sports summer. The festival will be characterized by the European Football Championship in Germany and the Olympic Summer Games in France.
On Monday, Macron will address European youth in Dresden. Prior to the European election, Steinmeier and Macron want to inspire young voters to exercise their right to vote. In both countries, right-wing extremist parties are anticipated to perform well, according to polls.
Macron will then receive the Westphalian Peace Prize in Munster on Tuesday. Steinmeier and Scholz will be among those attending the ceremony. The state visit will then continue with a German-French ministerial meeting at Schloss Meseberg near Berlin, where a significant portion of the French government delegation from Paris will participate.
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During Macron's visit to Germany, Scholz and Macron discussed their shared goal of reducing unanimity requirements in certain EU Council areas, including foreign and tax policy, to foster more decisive EU action. Despite this, some countries like Hungary have expressed opposition to this proposal. Furthermore, Scholz and Macron are working together to establish an effective capital market union in the EU, which is crucial for financing investments and allowing saved funds to be allocated more promptly and regularly in EU nations. This is an effort to catch up with the US in this area.
Source: www.ntv.de
