Germany's partners need more attention

Jun

18

The Franco-German tandem has ground to a halt!

Europe has for too long been preoccupied with repair jobs. What the EU now needs are major goals again – as well as the courage and self-confidence to believe they are achievable. Major goals are among others the reinvention of the Mediterranean Union, a growth pact for the South, a new European Africa policy, "trading zones" with neighbouring countries and a new focus of classical diplomacy on trans-regional relations.

Since 1989 France has seen itself as the political loser in the Union's enlargement process. In its response to these developments German foreign policy has not always shown the necessary sensitivity.

The balance between economic and political leadership in the European Union, consistently fragile yet long seen as given, was key to the effectiveness and stability of Franco-German cooperation. It was the decisive factor in the creation and further development of the European Union.

After German reunification and the end of communist rule in Central and Eastern Europe this balance no longer existed. The centre of democratic Europe moved eastwards and a larger Germany, quasi against its stated will, assumed also political leadership of the continent.

Since 1989 France has seen itself as the political loser in the Union's enlargement process. Despite official pronouncements, its disquiet over this state of affairs and ensuing resentment of Germany are obvious.

In its response to these developments German foreign policy has not always shown the necessary sensitivity. The Franco-German tandem has ground to a halt – and that is not good for the EU.

Better Franco-German relations will not solve all European problems, but all attempts to solve them will remain half-baked unless flanked by a Franco-German consensus or at least consultations on the matter.