New German government aims to get Franco-German ties ‘back on track’

New German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Wednesday that the goal of his trip to Paris with Chancellor Friedrich Merz is “to really get the Franco-German axis back on track.”

Wadephul is accompanying the newly appointed conservative chancellor to visit Germany’s biggest neighbours, France and Poland.

“[We will make it clear] that we can set the pace again in Europe, that we can become a source of ideas,” he said shortly before departing.

Wadephul emphasized the importance of Poland’s full involvement in the so-called Weimar Triangle group, along with France. The forum is intended to help the three countries coordinate on cross-border and European issues.

In the negotiations on a possible ceasefire in Ukraine, France and the United Kingdom have recently taken the initiative.