The recent deterioration in Franco-German relations in the context of the Union is perhaps the greatest crisis of confidence which France and free in the past from differences and tension: the Euromissile crisis, the break-up of ex-Yugoslavia or the foundations of political Union and Economic and Monetary Union can be evoked. Although, until recently, these bilateral disagreements were always overcome in the run-up to European summits, at which the two countries presented, more often than not, a common position. Such was the “motor” of the Union. In 2000 however, the two Governments clearly announced their discord on such fundamental issues as the reform of institutions, the Common Agricultural Policy, and a European Constitution. After the disappointment of Nice, it is up to the two countries, setting aside their struggle for hegemony on the old continent, to restart a Franco-German dynamic sadly lacking since Maastricht, to advance the cause of the Union.

This content is published in French - France-Allemagne : quel après-Nice ?