Wadephul: Ties between Paris and Berlin of ‘existential importance’

Ties between Paris and Berlin are of “existential importance” to Europe, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Wednesday.

“It is crucial for the European Union that France and Germany continue to work together and that, despite sometimes differing viewpoints, we always seek common ground,” Wadephul told dpa in Berlin.

“France is our closest partner and most important friend in Europe,” he added. “Together, we are also aware of our responsibility for Europe.”

Germany and France have “entered into a lasting union that we have with no other country in this depth and breadth,” Wadephul explained, citing the historic 1963 Élysée Treaty and the Aachen Treaty, which came into force in 2020.

On this basis, both countries must move forward courageously, including in their support for Ukraine and thus in the defence of freedom.

“I understand this, and the entire federal government understands this as one of our most important tasks,” the minister said.

Wadephul emphasized: “Even if there are differences, such as on the Mercosur agreement, agreement on key issues concerning our common European future prevails by far.”

Both countries are working every day to achieve greater European sovereignty, he said.

This begins with access to critical raw materials and semiconductors, he said, and must include European self-determination in the digital sphere “based on our values.”

It also includes cooperation in strengthening the defence industry and initial important discussions on issues of nuclear deterrence, he said.