France-Germany Summit... Will They Reconcile Differences on Energy and Defense Policies?

On the 20th (local time), French President Emmanuel Macron (left) and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who visited Brussels, Belgium to attend the European Union (EU) summit of 27 member states, are holding a bilateral meeting. [Image source=Yonhap News]

French and German leaders, who have shown differing views on solutions to the European energy crisis and defense policies, will meet on the 26th (local time).

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz are scheduled to discuss the situation in Ukraine during a working lunch at the ?lys?e Palace in Paris, the ?lys?e Palace announced.

The two countries have been in conflict over measures to address the rise in natural gas prices following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, drawing attention to whether this meeting can lead to a consensus.

Currently, France, Italy, and others support jointly implementing a gas price cap to counter Russia, while Germany and others oppose it, arguing that such a measure could lead to a shortage of gas itself and cause significant problems.

In response, President Macron pressured Germany during a press meeting in Brussels, Belgium, where the EU summit was held on the 20th, saying, "Germany isolating itself is neither good for Germany nor for Europe."

France and Germany also differ in their defense policies. Fifteen countries, including Germany, have signed an agreement to promote the 'European Airspace Defense Plan,' but France did not participate. France is reportedly concerned that this plan could provoke an arms race.

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