French President Emmanuel Macron and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Oradour-sur-Glane to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the massacre of 643 civilians by the Waffen SS in 1944.

Steinmeier expressed shame and sorrow for the lack of punishment for the perpetrators in Germany and emphasized the importance of German-French friendship for a better future.

Macron highlighted the need for unity in the face of rising right-wing extremism in Europe.

The visit underscored the ongoing challenges in preserving peace and reconciliation in Europe, with both countries grappling with political upheaval following the recent EU elections.

Despite calls for new national elections, both France and Germany will not hold snap elections.

Efforts for conservation and preservation in Oradour-sur-Glane were emphasized, including the town of Hersbruck planning to establish a friendship pact with the memorial site.

Steinmeier stressed the ongoing need to fight for and defend freedom, referencing the EU as their shared mission and the Normandy landings as a symbol of freedom from dictatorship and terror.

Steinmeier highlighted the dangers of nationalism and hatred, urging the defense of a united and tolerant Europe.

Macron praised the German-French reconciliation as the foundation of a shared European vision.

The visit marked the first time a German President has attended the anniversary of the massacre, underscoring the commitment to remembrance and reconciliation in Europe.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of Franco-German reconciliation in building a united Europe and warned against the dangers of nationalism and hatred in the wake of far-right electoral gains in the EU elections.

Macron and Steinmeier stressed the value of freedom and the need to protect a peaceful and open-minded Europe, using the massacre in Oradour-sur-Glane as a reminder of the atrocities of the past and the importance of unity in the face of rising right-wing extremism.