France and Germany have been at loggerheads in recent weeks, with differences ov...
LONDON/BERLIN - France and Germany have been at loggerheads in recent weeks, with differences over NATO and the future of Europe prompting some commentators to conclude that the two nations underpinning European unity are fundamentally split.
While there are vast contrasts in style and at times substance between Emmanuel Macron, 41, a hard-charging first-time president, and Angela Merkel, 65, a consensus-building fourth-time chancellor, both are acutely aware that the need to reach a Paris-Berlin consensus tends to trump all else. In June 2018, Merkel and Macron met outside Berlin and agreed the Meseberg declaration, a series of commitments on issues from security and defense policy to migration, economic policy, climate and a eurozone budget.
While the agenda may be dominated by the French president’s criticism of the alliance as “brain dead”, it equally will be an opportunity for the two leaders to clear the air and talk up how closer coordination among Britain, France and Germany can bolster both European security and NATO. Hence the impatience on the part of Macron, who wants to move fast while also conscious that even if he is reelected in 2022, time is limited to achieve his vision, which will still require German buy-in.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Twice as cute: Berlin zoo releases new photos of panda twinsBERLIN (AP) — Berlin’s main zoo has released new photos of twin panda cubs born this summer, saying the two are developing well. The zoo said Thursday that the two cubs each now weigh about...
Read more »
Twice as cute: Berlin zoo releases new photos of panda twinsBerlin’s zoo has released new photos of twin panda cubs born this summer and says the two are developing well.
Read more »
An Abandoned Berlin Supermarket Turned Into a Huge Fashion BlowoutThe German capital played host to the British luxury store Browns.
Read more »
In Saving New York’s Paris Theater, Netflix Saves A Place For Its Awards AmbitionsNetflix is taking over Manhattan's last single-screen theater, the Paris, and turning it into a place where it can screen its prestige film and TV projects. It's well positioned to help Netflix in its Oscar season push, which is crucial as competition grows for subscription dollars
Read more »
National Australia Bank plans to set up credit unit in Paris catering to EuropeNational Australia Bank is looking to set up a Europe-focused credit unit in Par...
Read more »
Paris auction offers chance to step into Napoleon's shoesA pair of boots said to have been worn by Napoleon Bonaparte could fetch up to $88,000 at auction in Paris
Read more »