How are French-German relations influencing the EU at the moment?

Copyright: aljazeera.com

By Petra Sîmpălean, 6 min

The Franco-German partnership has been one of the defining aspects of European integration in the last sixty years. It has helped to create a common market and fostered cooperation between the two countries, which have long been considered allies. But how exactly are these relationships affecting the European Union today?

It is no secret that France and Germany are going through a rough time in their relationship. Defence, energy, finances, and Scholz's contentious €200 billion package for energy price relief, which was launched last fall without informing the French government, have all been points of contention between Paris and Berlin in recent months. These tensions reached a breaking point when, in October, Macron abruptly cancelled a scheduled news appearance with Scholz. This is why, in this article, we will take a closer look at the current relationship between these two countries at the moment and how it influences the EU. 

A quick history lesson

Sixty years have passed since France and Germany signed the Élysée Treaty on 22 January 1963, also known as the Treaty of Friendship. The treaty marked a turning point in Franco-German relations and symbolised reconciliation between the two countries after centuries of conflict. It established a framework for regular consultations between the two countries and laid the foundation for close cooperation on political, economic, and cultural matters. The Élysée Treaty is widely seen as a cornerstone of the European project. It remains a symbol of the close and unique relationship between France and Germany, which has helped promote stability and peace in Europe. 

From a political standpoint, the Treaty calls for meetings of the Heads of State and Government at least twice a year and of the foreign ministers three times a year. Meetings about defence, education and youth are also held. No matter what is going on politically in both countries, since the Treaty was signed, the two nation’s leaders have continued to meet and hold discussions.

Why is the relationship between France and Germany important?

French-German relations are considered the backbone of the European Union and profoundly impact the functioning and direction of the EU. They help drive the EU agenda, establish common positions on key issues, and provide leadership in times of crisis. Additionally, their relationship sets the tone for the wider relationships within the EU and helps to ensure that the EU remains united and able to address the challenges it faces effectively.

Different strategic visions

It has become clear that these “differences of opinions” between France and Germany signify a larger problem: the fact that there is a clash of strategic visions. When these countries come together to discuss issues related to European security or the future of the euro, they tend to disagree on many of the fundamental issues facing Europe today. For example, Germany is generally more in favour of the common currency, whereas France is more sceptical about the benefits of a single currency in Europe. 

On the issue of security, France and Germany often take opposing positions. After Russian troops invaded Ukraine less than three months after Scholz took office last December, tensions further increased between the two. Under the pressure of the war and its knock-on effects (such as higher energy prices), crisis decisions were made due to the war. Paris and other European capitals are concerned about Berlin’s expenditure of 200 billion euros ($200 billion) subsidizing soaring gas prices and refuse to consider imposing an EU-wide energy price cap. Paris and other European capitals fear this may have a negative impact on their energy costs. They are concerned that the multi-billion euro plan might trigger a negative spill-over effect beyond the Gernab borders and distort competition in the single market. France is also concerned that cooperation on defence procurement is floundering as a result of Germany's plans to set up a missile shield with other NATO countries using American equipment, which France sees as a threat to its interests.

The issue of global warming has become a major topic at recent summits held by the EU. The German government has been very vocal in its support for measures that would reduce carbon emissions and promote the development of renewable energy. On the other hand, the French government has taken a rather different approach and has stressed the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with the US and maintaining the country’s traditional alliance with the UK. 

A hopeful conclusion?

Relations between Germany and France will continue to deteriorate in the coming years. This is mainly due to the strains that the current war between Ukraine and Russia is putting on their relationship. However, both countries are determined to maintain good relations, as they know they are the core of a well-functioning Europe. This was shown in the recent meeting between Macron and Scholz that took place this January to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Élysée Treaty.