For about a decade now, the Franco-German pair have not come up with a significant initiative for the future of Europe. To overcome this, the idea of a Anglo-Franco-German directorate is gaining ground. It is true that, while relations between Paris and Berlin have worsened, relations between Paris and London have been experiencing an upturn that has resulted in the launch of the European Security and Defence Policy at Saint-Malo and a commitment to an intergovernmental Europe. But London has also moved closer to Berlin, which resulted in the publication, by the two heads of government, of a neo-liberal publication (1999), and an initiative for improving the working of the European Council (2002). There are still some major differences between the three countries, especially with regard to the balance of powers in the council, reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, relations with the United States, and EU budget items. And if the Franco-German pairing can no longer play a driving role, an Anglo-Franco-German “triumvirate” does not yet have in any way the means to give Europe the leadership that it needs.

Hans Stark is a Research Fellow at Ifri (Franco-German relations, ex-Yugoslavia countries).

This content is published in French - Paris, Berlin et Londres : vers l'émergence d'un directoire européen ?