Posted on 05/11/2018 7:28:13 PM PDT by Olog-hai
France’s President Emmanuel Macron urged Germany to take on the mantle as a leading force reforming Europe at a “historic moment” for the bloc, hours before he was due to receive a key award Thursday for his efforts in boosting EU cohesion.
With Berlin so far proving resistant to his flagship reform proposals for the European Union such as a common finance minister or budget, Macron stressed the importance for the bloc to speak with one voice.
At a time when the United States is going its own way in ditching the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris climate accord, as well as threatening allies with punitive trade tariffs, Macron said Europe stands at a critical juncture.
“We stand today at a historic moment for Europe — Europe is in charge of guaranteeing the multilateral order that we created at the end of World War II and which today is sometimes being shaken,” Macron told German broadcasters in an interview. To do so, Europe needs to be strong, said the French leader. […]
“I very much hope that the chancellor and her government will live up to their responsibilities at this historic moment. We need to do everything to make Europe stronger, more united, more sovereign, more democratic,” stressed Macron.
He was speaking in the western German city of Aachen where he was to receive the Charlemagne Prize for his “contagious enthusiasm” for strengthening EU cohesion and integration. But analysts say the Charlemagne award may be premature, since those lofty goals — a key element of the 40-year-old centrist’s pitch to French voters last year — have failed to gain much traction. …
(Excerpt) Read more at thelocal.de ...
Because the Germans prefer marching in the shade.
Hang on there,pal! I just had my breakfast!
Arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
Just trying to put a little honey on your biscuits.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.