State visit to France: Steinmeier: Germans will remain good Europeans

During a state visit to France, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier assured that Germany will continue to play a key role in Europe even after the recent election results. “The Germans will also remain good Europeans, despite everything that changes here, economically, politically, especially in security policy,” said Steinmeier after a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.

“Germany can only be successful as a European Germany, closely embedded in the European Union. That’s true and it will stay that way for us,” promised Steinmeier. Macron also invoked the importance of both countries for the future of Europe. “If Germany and France do not move forward together, Europe will not move forward at all,” he said. The cooperation of both countries is important in order to “strengthen our democracies and their vitality – at a time when conspiracy theories and skepticism sometimes gain the upper hand.”

“Reforms are becoming more difficult”

The two presidents met for a kind of double farewell visit - because both will be leaving office next year. Times are difficult for their countries, said Steinmeier. There is a polarization of society, the radical fringes are becoming stronger. That doesn't make forming governments and governing any easier. They would not get out of their growth crisis “if everything stays as it is”. “At the same time, reforms have become even more difficult,” said Steinmeier, probably also referring to the federal government.