French and German leaders say must act for 'strong' Europe

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the importance of a "strong and resilient Europe" during a meeting in Paris on Monday, just days after U.S. President Donald Trump took office.

At a joint news briefing at the Elysee Palace, Macron said France and Germany are committed to bolstering European unity in a world that is “in motion.”

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pose by the Aix-la-Chapelle and Elysee Agreements at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, 22 January 2025.Reuters

The meeting marked the 62nd anniversary of the Elysee Treaty, which laid the groundwork for close French-German ties after World War II.

Scholz called Trump’s leadership a “challenge” but stressed that Europe would not retreat.

“Europe will not cower and hide, but instead be a constructive and assertive partner,” he said, adding that this approach would form the foundation of future U.S.-European cooperation.

Despite recent uncertainty, Scholz highlighted the deep history of U.S.-European ties. “Europe and the U.S. are linked by a long history of friendship and partnership, which provides a stable foundation for future relations,” he said.

The two leaders also underscored their shared responsibility to reinforce European unity as global challenges mount. Scholz, who faces a general election in Germany next month, reiterated the importance of Franco-German cooperation for European stability.

Trump’s early policy announcements, Scholz noted, would be carefully analyzed with other European partners to determine their implications for the transatlantic relationship.

“Europe must be strong and resilient in a world that is, to put it mildly, in motion,” Scholz said.