Germany, France Hold Unprecedented Retreat to Smooth EU Diplomacy

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Facts

  • On Monday, the governments of France and Germany began a two-day retreat to discuss energy, industry, and defense, in an attempt to re-establish relations between the two largest economies in the European Union.1
  • Other topics set to be discussed include the war in Ukraine, the transition to a carbon-neutral economy, the rise of irregular migration, and the current Middle East conflict. The two countries are also expected to begin negotiations in 2024 concerning the construction of next-generation tanks.2
  • Ahead of negotiations next year, it is believed the two nations will discuss a German-French 'main ground combat system' (MGCS). Defense News has reported that talks for a next-generation tank project will involve Düsseldorf-based company Rheinmetall and Franco-German joint venture KNDS.3
  • Following a tour of the harbor, the two presidents will visit the Airbus plants in Finkenwerder, according to German television station Nord Deutsche Rundfunk. The aircraft manufacturer's primary location is currently in the French city of Toulouse.4
  • While German Chancellor Olaf Scholz last visited France in January this year, French President Emmanuel Macron’s most recent trip to Germany — before this week’s summit in the city of Hamburg — was in 2022. The retreat will be concluded with a press conference set to be attended by both leaders.5
  • While Macron’s team have described the talks as “informal,” Germany’s entourage claimed that the “unprecedented format” of the meeting highlighted the “intensity” and “depth” of the relationship between the two states.6

Sources: 1Reuters, 2The business standard, 3Rfi, 4Yahoo news, 5Msn and 6Le monde.fr.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by Atlantic council. It is critical that the two leading member states of the European Union find common ground on a range of important issues, including energy security and global competitiveness. If Europe continues to move forward without a clear sense of direction, it will be less able to assert influence in global affairs. The first step in developing a cogent European response to current issues is a strong alliance between France and Germany.
  • Narrative B, as provided by Politico. The Hamburg meeting should see France and Germany conclude that Europe needs to become less dependent on the US and stay out tensions between China and the US over Taiwan. The EU cannot afford the to get caught up in crises that it isn't directly affected by, as such meddling would prevent the bloc from achieving strategic autonomy. Europe must defend its interests rather than become a vassal for the US. 

Predictions