French President Emmanuel Macron begins a significant three-day state visit to Germany on Sunday, marking the first such visit by a French president in 24 years. The trip, filled with ceremonial events, underscores the enduring Franco-German friendship.
Macron is scheduled to arrive in Berlin at 2 PM (1200 GMT), heading first to the government district for the “Democracy Festival.” This event celebrates the 75th anniversary of Germany’s Basic Law, the democratic constitution adopted in West Germany post-World War II, during the occupation by the Western Allies, including France, Britain, and the United States.
At the festival, Macron and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will participate in an on-stage discussion. Macron will then proceed to Bellevue Palace, Steinmeier’s official residence, where he will receive military honors. The two presidents will hold a joint press conference later in the afternoon.
The day’s events will conclude with a walk through the Brandenburg Gate with Berlin Mayor Kai Wagner and a state banquet at Bellevue Palace.
Macron’s visit precedes the European elections for the next European Parliament. Far-right EU parties, gaining support in recent years, are anticipated to perform well in the upcoming June 6-9 polls.
The Paris-Berlin relationship has historically driven European policymaking. However, tensions have surfaced since Angela Merkel’s departure from German politics in 2022. Despite this, Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have recently worked to strengthen their cooperation.
The leaders have found common ground on issues such as reforming the EU’s debt and deficit rules. Nonetheless, disagreements remain on topics like military aid for Ukraine and economic policy responses to protectionist measures by China and the United States. These issues will be addressed in a meeting of French and German ministers on Tuesday.
On Monday, Macron and his wife Brigitte will travel to Dresden, where he will deliver a speech on European policy in front of the Frauenkirche, a monumental domed church symbolizing post-war reconciliation. On Tuesday, they will continue to Munster, where Macron will be awarded the Peace of Westphalia Prize.
Having assumed office seven years ago, Macron is ineligible to run for a third term in the 2027 presidential election. This state visit, the first by a French president to Germany since 2000, was initially planned for last July but was postponed due to nationwide unrest in France following the fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old.
While French and German leaders frequently meet informally, Macron’s visit symbolizes a formal reaffirmation of the deep ties between the two nations.