In Berlin, Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed France’s new President Emmanuel Macron, one day after his inauguration.

The two discussed a roadmap for the European Union.

CGTN’s Guy Henderson reports.

His first full day in the job and France’s new president leaves the country.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel may have broken with protocol to back Emmanuel Macron’s candidacy.

That doesn’t mean they’ll see eye to eye on everything. Macron made clear his vigor for EU reform was no empty campaign promise.

“More often than not, the subject of treaty change was a French taboo. For me, it will no longer be the case. And so, I wish that the common roadmap will be, above all, a roadmap that restores perspectives and a true efficiency to the Euro Zone, to the European Union. And if in this process, there must be institutional changes and new treaties, we are ready,” Macron said.

When the EU’s official anthem boomed at Macron’s election victory party the sighs of relief in Germany were almost as loud.

Humming beneath them, though, concerns that some of his ideas might end up costing German taxpayers more.

That may explain why many of its lawmakers, and Merkel herself, would like to see steps towards fixing the French economy first.

“Both of us represent the interests of their country but Germany’s interests are closely tied to France’s interests. Germany will only do well in the long-term if Europe does well and Europe will only do well if there is a strong France.”, said Angela Merkel the German Chancellor.

Macron’s charm offensive went beyond symbolism, on Monday he appointed France’s former Ambassador to Germany, as his diplomatic adviser.

That may smooth the path.