Germany and France want to work more closely together on strategically important key technologies. This includes hydrogen technology, battery cell production and the healthcare industry, according to a statement by Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens) and his French counterpart Bruno Le Maire in Paris on Tuesday.
In addition, both countries want to work for a strong European response to the American anti-inflation law. Habeck was also received by French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss economic issues.
clear up discrepancies
A Franco-German alliance is necessary in order to develop European strategic sovereignty and to overcome challenges such as Russia’s war against Ukraine, high energy prices and changing global competition, said Habeck. “Together we want to provide impetus for a European industrial policy that strengthens our future viability.” Both countries also wanted to cooperate closely on the topic of raw materials in order to make the EU independent. A new European platform for transformation technologies should also be set up in order to strengthen Europe’s innovative strength.
Habeck’s visit to Paris is one of a series of Franco-German meetings this week intended to get the troubled relationship between the two countries back on track. At the end of October, the Franco-German Council of Ministers was postponed at short notice – it is now to be held at the end of January. The fact that Macron received the German Vice-Chancellor was also a sign of an effort to clear up discord. This Thursday, Chancellor Scholz will meet France’s Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne in Berlin.
