The two leaders aim to "strengthen Franco-German cooperation" and respond to common challenges in a "united and supportive manner", according to France.

Against the backdrop of recent tensions in Franco-German relations, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) will meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Wednesday. According to the Elysée Palace, the meeting will focus on defence, the economy and energy supply. According to the Federal Chancellery in Berlin, a joint press conference is planned at the end of the meeting at around 3 pm.

In recent days, the relationship between the usually close partner states had reached a low point. A meeting of the Franco-German Council of Ministers was unexpectedly cancelled. There are considerable differences in opinion between Berlin and Paris, namely on the subject of a possible European strategy against high gas prices, as well as on joint armament projects, such as an air defence system and the planned new European fighter aircraft system FCAS.

Germany, among the most affected because of its dependence on Russian gas, has undertaken "a change of strategy whose destabilising character should not be underestimated", analyses Emmanuel Macron.

Chancellor Scholz has announced a 200 billion aid plan for individuals and companies in the face of soaring prices, particularly for gas, following the cuts in supplies imposed by Russia.

This plan, implemented without consultation with its European partners, has provoked a great deal of misunderstanding and fears of distortion of competition in Europe.

After decades of underinvestment, Germany has also made a 180-degree turn in defence to make its army "the best equipped force in Europe".