Balkans | Macron and Scholz want to invest more in the defense industry of a powerful Europe

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron have stated that they need to invest more in the armed forces and the foundations of the defense industry for a strong Europe of tomorrow.

Schulz and Macron wrote a joint article for the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine and the French magazine Du Dimanche on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Elysee Agreement.

Noting in the article that the first major challenge now is ensuring that Europe has the geopolitical capacity to shape a more sovereign and international order, the two leaders said:

“For a strong Europe of tomorrow, we must invest more in our armed forces and in the foundations of our defense industry in Europe. This will improve our defense capabilities and thus strengthen transatlantic relations. Developing European capabilities and strengthening the European backbone in NATO will make us a stronger partner for the United States on the side The other is from the Atlantic Ocean. We will be better equipped, more efficient and more effective in facing major international military challenges.”

They affirmed their determination to fulfill the dreams of former Chancellor Konrad Adenauer and former French President Charles de Gaulle. Schulz and Macron used the following statements in the article:

“We are determined to make the European Union an even stronger driver of hope as our children grow up to be citizens of this continent. We know from our many meetings that our partners and friends in Europe also share this belief. Together with them, we want to make this belief a reality. We want to work towards seven strategic goals to shape Our Europe for the next generation.”

Noting that geopolitical strength depends not only on military tools, but also on flexibility and the ability to look forward in strategic areas, the leaders noted that they will increase diversity in strategic resources, enhance capabilities in critical areas, and embark on becoming the world’s first carbon-neutral continent. .

Schulz and Macron said that national choices would be accepted into the energy mix:

“First of all, we will focus on renewable and low-carbon energy sources, energy efficiency measures, strong interconnection and use of hydrogen, which we will produce and import. We will improve the functioning of the electricity market and participate in joint gas purchases at the European level. We want to strengthen our strategic partnerships with all those who They work to preserve the international order enshrined in the United Nations Charter We want to promote free and fair trade as the cornerstone of our well-being We support an ambitious trade agenda with the (WTO) World Trade Organization at its center and modern trade agreements with our partners around the world to set our trading relationships on a broader basis.”

Scholz and Macron stressed the importance of addressing climate change, and indicated that they would support citizens to overcome the challenges of environmental transition.

The two leaders stressed that they will strive for an ambitious strategy to support the competitiveness of European industry and create an environment that encourages competition and innovation.

Scholz and Macron stressed that individual freedoms, the rule of law, democratic participation and the protection of its citizens are the main values ​​and principles of the European Union, and stressed that the European Union must continue to protect European citizens and their freedoms.

The two leaders called for the establishment of international standards in the digital field, along with their efforts for the rule of law and individual freedoms. Use the phrase.

Scholz and Macron indicated that they would particularly like to provide freedom of movement for students, and that effective controls should be put in place at the EU’s external borders.

In assessing the countries of the Western Balkans, Scholz and Macron stated that they are working towards rapid and concrete progress with regard to the enlargement of the European Union.

The President of France and the Chancellor of Germany also stated that the enlarged European Union must be ensured to continue its ability to work with more efficient institutions and speedy decision-making processes, and demanded that decisions be taken by a qualified majority, especially in the European Council.

The two leaders emphasized that Germany and France agreed on the basic issues of Europe on the anniversary of the signing of the Elysee Agreement, and said: “We pursue the same goals for a flexible, strong and sovereign European Union. We are working with determination to find common answers that we want to consult with our European partners in areas where we differ.” “. He rated it.

AA