Scholz "Doesn't Understand" Claims About Frayed Franco-German Relations

Jessica Parker at the BBC posts on X: "Despite recent political pot-shots between Germany & France, Chancellor Scholz says he doesn't understand claims about a frayed relationship [...] "Emmanuel & I" will meet in Berlin on Friday, says Scholz. UK-German relations are also "good"." The meeting on 15 March will come in the 'Weimar Triangle' format, with Polish PM Donald Tusk also due to be in attendence.

• The meeting will be an opportunity for Scholz and Macron to put on a united front after several weeks of deteriorating relations due to disagreements regarding the war in Ukraine.
• Most notably in late Feb when the French president raised the prospect of NATO troops being on the ground in Ukraine. This was quickly shut down by Scholz (and other NATO leaders).
• Following this Macron, speaking in Prague, stated that "Europe clearly faces a moment when it will be necessary not to be cowards,” with many seeing the comments as being pointed at the German gov't in particular.
• Germany has claimed that its significantly larger aid packages to Ukraine show its commitment, while France has argued that it is sending more effective weaponry and is able to keep its promises on the scale of weapon supplies.
• The role of the UK could come into play in allowing Germany to send more advanced armaments to Ukraine while maintaining its distance. The 'Ringtausch' would see UK Storm Shadow missiles sent to Ukraine, with UK stocks then replenished by German Taurus missiles.