French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte will make a state visit to Germany from Sunday to Tuesday, emphasizing the “permanence and depth of the Franco-German bond” despite ongoing disputes over Europe. This will be the first state visit by a French president to Germany since Jacques Chirac in 2000 and the sixth since General de Gaulle in 1962.
Originally scheduled for July 2023 but postponed due to riots in France, the visit is now confirmed. During their stay, Macron will visit Berlin, Dresden, and Münster at the invitation of President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The state visit will be followed by a Franco-German Council of Ministers alongside Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday evening in Meseberg.
During their official engagements, Macron will take part in the democracy festival in Berlin and accompany Steinmeier to Oradour-sur-Glane to mark the 80th anniversary of Nazi abuses. The president will also visit the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin and award the Westphalian Peace Prize in Münster for his European commitment.
Alongside their official engagements, Macron and his wife Brigitte will also explore significant historical and cultural sites throughout Germany. In Dresden, Macron will deliver a speech to European youth while receiving the Westphalian Peace Prize in Münster. The trip aims to deepen relations between France and Germany while emphasizing the strength of the bond between their people.
The purpose of this state visit is clear: To reaffirm that despite ongoing disagreements over Europe, France’s relationship with Germany remains strong and enduring. This message is particularly important as it comes at a time when tensions between Europe’s two largest economies are high due to issues such as trade disputes and immigration policies.
By visiting key locations such as Oradour-sur-Glane, which was one of six towns destroyed by Hitler’s forces during World War II, Macron is sending a powerful message about honoring history while looking forward towards reconciliation and peace.
Overall, this state visit by Emmanuel Macron serves as an important reminder that despite ongoing differences over policy issues, both countries remain committed to maintaining a strong relationship based on mutual respect and cooperation.
