French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during a Franco-German meeting to pay tribute to 60 years of Élysée Treaty which signified Franco-German reconciliation. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

"There is immense work ahead of us to achieve our goal of a more sovereign, democratic and united Europe," Macron said at a ceremony of the two countries' parliaments on Sunday.

Because Germany and France had paved the way for reconciliation, both countries must now together be pioneers in the re-foundation and strengthening of Europe, he said at the Paris ceremony.

Macron said this would involve a future environmentally friendly energy supply, investments in ecological change, greater independence in the supply of raw materials, and also questions of defence.

What is needed is an ambitious European industrial strategy that protects production in Europe, as well as a "Made in Europe 2030" strategy to enable Europe to be a pioneer in future technologies and artificial intelligence, he said.

Joint pioneering work was needed for an EU capable of establishing itself as an independent geopolitical power.

His comments came after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz thanked France for its friendship during the ceremony.

Scholz stressed the need for a sovereign Europe, saying both nations were working towards this together.