French President Macron will pay a state visit to the UK, mending old ties
Paris is willing to believe that there are signs indicating the UK wishes to re-examine Europe during major geopolitical upheavals such as the war in Ukraine and the more unpredictable return of Trump to the White House.
Invited by King Charles III, French President Macron will make a three-day "state visit" to the UK next Tuesday to celebrate the restoration of "friendly understanding" between Paris and London, and the UK's reintegration into Europe five years after Brexit.
This will be the first state visit by a EU head of state to the UK since Brexit in 2020. US President Trump is expected to visit the UK in September.
Between a carriage procession and a banquet at Windsor Castle, the President and First Lady of France will enjoy all the royal honors offered by the British.
Another rare privilege is that Macron will give a speech at the British Parliament on Tuesday. On Thursday, President Macron will hold a summit with UK Prime Minister Starmer in London, bringing this visit to a successful conclusion.
Paris is willing to believe that these signs indicate the UK wishes to re-examine Europe during major geopolitical upheavals such as the war in Ukraine and the more unpredictable return of Trump to the White House.
The Elysee Palace emphasized that when UK Labour Party Prime Minister Starmer took office at Downing Street in July 2024, he "expressed his willingness to restart relations between the UK and Europe."
The last state visit by a French president to the UK, which was the highest level of diplomatic visit, dates back to French President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008.
Later, Brexit and the growing tensions between UK Conservative Party Prime Minister Johnson and Paris seriously damaged the "friendly convention" tradition established by a series of agreements signed in 1904.
This year, after months of negotiations, both sides concluded a new strategic partnership in the post-Brexit summit held on May 19, especially in the field of defense.
The Elysee Palace assured that this Franco-British summit will "complete the elements of the relationship reset," and said that it will achieve "reintegration" around "common interests."
UK Prime Minister Starmer pledged to Macron on Saturday that he would make "progress" in combating migrant trafficking and defense.
On Friday, the BBC reported that French police cut open a rubber boat full of migrants near the beach with a utility knife. Subsequently, London welcomed France's "strengthening" of law enforcement efforts.
AFP said that according to international law, police can only rescue ships at sea, not intercept them.
However, under pressure from right-wing parties, the UK Prime Minister called for France to take more radical intervention measures. In Paris, the Ministry of the Interior no longer excludes the possibility of intercepting "charter boats" within 300 meters of the coast.
Over 20,500 people crossed the English Channel in the first half of 2025, setting a historical record.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836917446259012/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.