2014 will test Franco-German alliance, analysts predict

EurActiv ^ | 23 January 2014

[Olog-hai]

Three prominent political analysts spoke with EurActiv.de on the 51^st anniversary of the Elysée Treaty, evaluating the Franco-German partnership in 2014 and challenges for the years ahead.

Frank Baasner, director at the Franco-German Institute in Ludwigsburg (Deutsch-Französisches Institut Ludwigsburg), said the time had come for renewed reflection, fifty-one years after the Élysée Treaty was signed. 2014 would be a historical year, Baasner said, with Germany, France and the rest of the EU putting the bloc to the test as they tackle the still unfinished eurozone crisis and military intervention in Africa. […]

The assessment of prescribing a uniquely French solution for France was shared by Georg Walter, director of the division for Franco-German relations at the Asko Europa-Stiftung in Saarbrücken. […] A role as junior partner to Germany is not imaginable for France, said Walter. For this reason, the Franco-German expert said, it still remains to be seen whether France will actually satisfy German demands during the reform process. …

[familyop]

Doubtful that any big split will be fomented between Germany and France. They’re very interdependent for energy and other necessities. The German language sounds more like French these days than it did decades ago (accent). Many Germans have migrated into France, and some towns in France toward the German border have yearly Octorberfest celebrations of renown. But folks in the City in London can publicize propaganda and fantasize.

[Olog-hai]

That’s true; there will not be any big split. But France is certainly going to be more honest about who has been the dominant partner in the relationship such as it is.