“Ukraine is part of the European family” – Schulze and Macron outline joint plans
“We agree: Ukraine belongs to the European family”
Re-elected French President Emmanuel Macron has traveled to Berlin. He talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz about Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and European sovereignty.
At the beginning of his second term, Emmanuel Macron was the first to travel to Berlin. Together with Federal Chancellor Olaf Schulz (Social Democratic Party), the newly re-elected president made clear how he envisions the future of Europe. Why is Ukraine not joining the European Union so quickly?
BOn his first trip abroad since his re-election, French President Emmanuel Macron in Berlin reiterated his plans, announced earlier that day, to create a “European political community” that could include Ukraine. On Monday evening, Macron was initially received with military honors in front of the Chancellery before holding a press conference with his host Chancellor Olaf Scholz (Social Democratic Party).
Macron stressed the importance of friendship between long-separated countries such as Germany and France. “It was very clear to me: this first trip was meant to emphasize once again the Franco-German friendship.” The date, Europe Day on May 9, was also important to his challenge (…). War has returned to our continent.”
“What we want to achieve is a ceasefire as quickly as possible,” Macron said. Only then can negotiations between Ukraine and Russia be ended in order to achieve peace and, as a consequence, a permanent withdrawal of Russian forces. “This is our goal.”
They want to help Ukraine in the negotiations, which itself decides its terms. “Because our position is on the side of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, nothing more, nothing less,” Macron said. “Only negotiations after the ceasefire will allow peace to be restored,” he added.
In his speech, Macron also reiterated the idea, which he expressed earlier that day in Strasbourg, about creating some kind of intermediary station for Ukraine on its way to EU membership. Macron said in Strasbourg that it will take years, possibly decades, before Ukraine can join the European Union. Whoever wants to speed it up must lower the criteria for accession, and France refuses to do so.
Instead, he proposed the creation of a “European Political Community” of Ukraine and the other candidate states. It could “create a new space for political cooperation, security and cooperation,” the head of state said. Schultz was open to the idea of a European political community. At the same time, the chancellor stopped Macron’s calls to change the treaties in the European Union.
Schulz said Germany would not stand idly by. He stressed that, however, many reforms to increase efficiency in the EU could be achieved without the level of changes in EU treaties. This also includes de-consensus in many policy areas.
Schulz happy with Macron’s re-election
Schulz also emphasized increasing close cooperation with France in the European Union. Franco-German friendship is more important than ever as a driving force. Schulz said it was important for France to make a clear decision in favor of Europe in the presidential election. Macron came to Berlin on his first foreign visit during his second term.
Schulz explained that it was a “new impetus” for Europe. Russia’s “horrific aggressive war” in Ukraine is shaping the European partners together; It is also important to work together. “Ukraine is part of the European family,” the chancellor stressed, referring to requests from the government in Kyiv, which are being considered by the European Union. The commission will soon present its assessment.
Schultz also reiterated his idea of the “turning point” of Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine. “These days we are once again aware of the prosperity and freedom we enjoy in the European Union and as members of NATO.” Further: “Injustice must not triumph, and borders must not move by force” to “defend one’s values.” Together and with all their might.” But care will also be taken to ensure that the war does not spread to other countries.
Schulz also highlighted the EU accession processes for the Western Balkans. The blockade must be overcome here – “in the sense of European responsibility and in the sense of geopolitical reason,” Schultz said.
In WELT podcasts, you can hear extraordinary conversations with extraordinary people. Subscribe to podcasts, for example, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Deezer, or directly via RSS feed.