France and Germany renew alliance strained amid war in Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron, right, shakes hands with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (Christophe Ena, Pool/AP)

France and Germany on Sunday committed to giving Ukraine “unwavering support” and to strengthening the European Union, as they sought to overcome differences over defence, energy and economic issues on the 60th anniversary of their post-Second World War friendship treaty.

The German government’s entire cabinet was in Paris for joint meetings with their French counterparts, and about 300 MPs from the two countries came together at the Sorbonne University during the day of ceremonies and talks.