On November 8, 2024, Fraunhofer IZM welcomed the French Minister of Higher Education and Research, Patrick Hetzel. In addition to Institute Director Prof. Dr. Ulrike Ganesh and Deputy Director Rolf Aschenbrenner, several Fraunhofer researchers with French backgrounds also took part in the exchange. The meeting centered on key technologies, including high-performance computing, quantum electronics, hardware security, and sustainability, as well as Europe's technological sovereignty in the semiconductor sector. The discussions emphasized the need to reduce dependence on global supply chains and intensify cooperation between industry and research to secure Europe's competitiveness. This visit follows an exchange with French Ambassador François Delattre in April and highlights the importance of Franco-German cooperation for Europe's future.