Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s visit to Emmanuel Macron in France once again highlighted the urgent need for new ideas and initiatives in the Franco-German partnership. Both presidents are approaching the end of their time in office.
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The German delegation moved smoothly through Paris and did not encounter student strikes on the city’s streets. For citizens, the situation was different: due to the high-level visit, a wide area was closed off and traffic around the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées remained blocked for hours.
Macron had decided that the military honors for Steinmeier would be held under the Arc de Triomphe. In the early morning hours, the German anthem thus echoed in the center of Paris, in sunny but cold weather.
Many questions, few answers
The ceremony conveyed friendship and symbolism, but its solemnity also created the impression of a bygone era. In France and Germany, support for populist forces on the political fringes is growing. The AfD leads German national polls, while in France Emmanuel Macron could be succeeded by Jean-Luc Mélenchon from the left or Marine Le Pen from the far right.
Meanwhile, an economic crisis threatens prosperity, and unresolved social justice issues are pushing young people to protest. During his stay in Paris, Macron warned that social networks are increasingly being used for disinformation and to fuel distrust in democracy.
Steinmeier expressed optimism, although the AfD may soon form its first government in a German state. According to him, Germany will continue to support and lead in Europe, and Germans will remain good Europeans. He did not, however, indicate what this conviction was based on. Journalists had no opportunity to ask questions at the joint press conference at the Élysée Palace.
A future without a plan
For political scientist Jacob Ross, this state of affairs is not surprising. He believes that neither Macron nor Steinmeier has a clear program for the future of France, Germany, and Europe. According to him, the political systems they represent are trying to confront the crises of the 21st century with 20th-century solutions.
Although their ways of operating in politics differ, Ross finds common ground especially in policies that did not yield results. One of them is the stance toward Russia: for a long period, both supported its integration into Europe, until the events of 2022 forced them to change direction. Since then, Ross assesses, their actions have been mostly reactions to developments.
Little support for Macron’s ideas
Ross describes some of Macron’s proposals for Europe as bold, but notes that they found no support in Berlin. For years, German political leaders received Paris’s initiatives with reservations, without offering concrete proposals of their own.
Recently, France and Germany presented a joint initiative to the European Commission against unfair competition. It provides for strict European measures against states that secure advantages through unfair practices. China is not explicitly mentioned, but it is the main target of the initiative: Beijing gives massive subsidies to domestic companies, whose products are entering the European market widely, while European companies continue to face obstacles to entering the Chinese market.
Difficult cooperation in defense
For a long time, Paris and Berlin have aimed to expand defense cooperation. However, the implementation of major joint armament projects is encountering difficulties.
After the failure of the FCAS fighter jet project in June, both sides said they would continue work on the future tank MGCS. But disagreements over this project came to light during the state visit.
In the French National Assembly, the Chief of the General Staff, Fabien Mandon, said that Germany had decided to withdraw from the tank project. The next day he clarified that his statement had been unclear. According to observers, this “misunderstanding” is a sign of the dissatisfaction that exists on both sides regarding cooperation between the countries.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius forcefully rejected this interpretation. He said that MGCS has not been discontinued and remains a key Franco-German project for ground systems. It includes especially the digital processing of battlefield data, as well as unmanned and automated systems. According to Pistorius, cooperation will continue.
A look toward the future through defense and space
On Friday, the two presidents visited several institutions near Bordeaux whose activities are closely linked to space and nuclear deterrence. They also visited ArianeGroup, the Franco-German company that produces the M51 missiles, capable of carrying nuclear weapons for French submarines. The program also included startup companies focused on future technologies.
According to unofficial information, the focus on these areas was Macron’s personal wish. He has long spoken of a “European dimension” of France’s nuclear deterrence. His ideas are attracting more attention following American announcements about reducing engagement in Europe.
Macron proposed in 2020 a “strategic dialogue” on the role of French nuclear weapons in Europe’s security. Now several countries, including Germany, are showing interest in this idea. The current talks are linked to what the French president calls “extended deterrence,” which could include joint military exercises and visits to strategic sites.
The permanent stationing of French nuclear weapons in other states, however, is not being considered. France’s nuclear doctrine grants only France the right to decide whether to use its own nuclear weapons.
A shared farewell
Steinmeier’s two-day state visit to France concluded on Friday afternoon. So far, it has brought little new momentum to Franco-German relations. For this reason, it becomes even more urgent for the successors of the two presidents to draft a shared vision for the future of ties between their countries.
After ten years in office, Macron and Steinmeier are expected to leave their posts almost at the same time, in 2027. The visit to France was, in this sense, also one of their last meetings together, as their farewell approaches./DW
