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20.08.2020

“Europe is only strong if it speaks with one voice”

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This day is strategically extremely important, “as an opportunity to coordinate our agendas very closely,” Chancellor Angela Merkel said at a meeting with President Emmanuel Macron at his summer residence. This is significant, she said, for many European and international issues discussed.

“Europe is only strong if it speaks with one voice,” stressed Chancellor Angela Merkel. This is particularly important with respect to international crises, such as those in Libya and Belarus, and in the conflict between Greece and Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean. “We need stability there – not tensions,” declared Angela Merkel. Germany and France aim to join forces to find good solutions.

Merkel and Macron give a press conference on the terrace at Fort Bregancon
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron at their joint press conference on Thursday © Bundesregierung/Denzel
Mr and Mrs Macron welcome Angela Merkel at their summer residence
Fort de Brégançon, 20. August 2020: The German Chancellor travelled to southern France at the invitation of the French President © Bundesregierung/Denzel
Brigitte, Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel talk in one of the rooms of the summer residence.
This is the first time that Macron and his wife, Brigitte, have welcomed Chancellor Merkel to their summer residence, Fort de Brégançon © Bundesregierung/Denzel
Merkel and Macron gesticulate, standing in front of a sofa, that is the colors of the French flag
The two leaders discussed a number of European and international topics © Bundesregierung/Denzel
Macron and Merkel walk past a table, while talking, on the sunlit lawn in front of the house.
The current situation in Lebanon and in Belarus, the conflict over gas in the eastern Mediterranean and the coup in Mali were discussed © Bundesregierung/Denzel
Merkel and Macron stand behind lecterns on the terrace during the press conference. A camera is in the foreground
Both nations want to speak with one voice in international crises. In Mali, they wish to continue the fight against terrorism in the region © Bundesregierung/Denzel
Merkel speaks from behind her lectern during the press conference
The country needs stability that is based upon a democratic framework, according to the Chancellor © All photos by Bundesregierung/Denzel
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With respect to the COVID-19 pandemic, said the Chancellor, the goal is to take “more European action”. “The pandemic is not over.”

The aim, she said, is to take a similar response to high-risk areas, rather than having to lock down the entire country again. The two leaders also discussed how the recovery fund and the multiannual financial framework adopted in July by the European Council can be used in order to invest in Europe’s future – to make it more resilient, more independent and more sovereign.

Continuing the afternoon’s talks

Following the press conference, the French President invited the Chancellor to dinner before she returned to Berlin. Over dinner they planned to continue the afternoon’s talks, including the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union. As a result of the pandemic, social distancing was obviously observed throughout their meeting.

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