Leaders in Europe, the German chancellor Olaf Scholz and the French president Emmanuel Macron, demonstrated a renewed Franco-German momentum in Hamburg. Their aim is to reassert a traditional European axis as energy policy becomes a focal point, following months of visible differences over the issue.
Macron stated that an agreement would be reached by the end of the month, confirming that teams from both governments were collaborating toward that objective. Intergovernmental consultations, launched on Monday with the participation of key ministers and senior figures, have centered on turning this commitment into a concrete accord.
Scholz underscored that harmony between France and Germany is the backbone of a European solution, while Macron described joint action as essential for shaping a unified European energy market.
Their public remarks emphasized a shared good will, set against the backdrop of ongoing regional tensions and the broader international context, including responses to recent events in the Middle East. A joint declaration, coordinated with allies the United States, Italy, and the United Kingdom, framed the night’s video conference discussions as part of a wider effort to address security and energy resilience.
Difference of opinion on nuclear energy
Questioning from the media largely centered on the divergent views within the two capitals. The Paris-Berlin axis, once a straightforward example of robust, ongoing consultations, has recently shown a rebound after a period of pause. Paris remains steadfast in its commitment to nuclear energy as a cornerstone of national power, while Berlin has indicated a willingness to rely less on that resource amid the current energy crisis. Both leaders, however, signaled a shared objective: a path toward decarbonization through renewables and a diversified energy mix.
Scholz chose Hamburg as the venue to unveil these developments, presenting them as achievable goals for the near term. The atmosphere carried a sense of cordiality, with moments of warmth such as the brief tasting of Hamburg’s Franzbrötchen, a pastry reminiscent of a croissant but anchored in local tradition. Yet the bilateral dynamics showed layers of formality and reserve, suggesting that personal chemistry was not the primary driver of the talks.
Scholz and Merkel’s era left a memory of different stylistic tones, and observers noted that the current mood in Hamburg reflected the distinct temperaments of the two leaders rather than a close, spontaneous rapport. The setting, however, did not obscure the strategic intent behind the meetings: to advance a cooperative agenda on European energy policy and broader economic coordination.
Warning against right-wing extremism
Another thread of the Hamburg discussions concerned the rise of far-right movements within Germany. Recent regional elections in Bavaria and Hesse indicated a surge in support for conservative parties and, in some districts, for alternative for Germany (AfD). Analysts warned that such trends could challenge established democratic norms and complicate policymaking at a national level.
Scholz acknowledged the concern, emphasizing the need to defend democratic principles and EU values while managing social and economic pressures. The leaders reaffirmed a shared stance against illegal immigration, linking it to broader debates about social cohesion and national security. Scholz also highlighted the pressures of refugee flows, noting that Germany has seen record numbers in recent years and stressing the importance of a well-managed asylum system within the bounds of European norms.
The exchanges in Hamburg, interpreted as part of a broader European dialogue, underscored a commitment to balancing openness with responsibility. Macron and Scholz indicated that addressing internal and external challenges would require coordinated policies on migration, energy security, and climate action, all within a framework that preserves EU unity and democratic governance. The discussions were presented as a practical step toward resilience in a period of geopolitical and economic volatility, with the shared aim of sustaining a high level of political and social trust across the Union. Citation: See reports from European policy briefings and official summaries published by participating governments.