Overview
- French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the need for a resilient and united Europe during their meeting at the Elysee Palace.
- The meeting coincided with the 62nd anniversary of the Elysee Treaty, a symbol of Franco-German post-war reconciliation and cooperation.
- Both leaders addressed U.S. President Donald Trump's recent tariff threats, highlighting the economic risks to export-driven European economies.
- Scholz underscored the importance of free trade and warned against economic isolationism, calling for Europe to act as a strong and assertive partner to the U.S.
- Macron and Scholz also discussed cutting red tape and improving competitiveness in Europe, while acknowledging challenges stemming from their weakened political positions at home.