Can Merkel and Macron Deliver a Franco-German Plan for Europe?

In the autumn of 2017, with Emmanuel Macron having launched his reform programme in France and the imminent German election, the author argues that Berlin and Paris need to quickly assess whether they share a common vision for Europe and its place in the new world order.

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Commentators suggested that the relatively poor result for Angela Merkel in the German Federal Election of 24 September 2017 was not likely to help create an effective Franco-German EU reform programme.

French President Emmanuel Macron gave a keynote speech on his EU reform proposals in Paris on the 26 September 2017.

The German Chacellor responded positively but cautiously to the speech.

In Germany on the 10 October 2017 President Macron argued in a lecture to students in Frankfurt for his EU reform programme to be pursued and supported actively by Chancellor Merkel.

ESO: Background information: Merkel and Macron want a new start for the EU http://www.europeansources.info/record/merkel-and-macron-want-a-new-start-for-the-eu/

The Local.de, 10.10.17: Macron urges Merkel to fight for EU reforms in Frankfurt https://www.thelocal.de/20171010/macron-urges-merkel-to-fight-for-eu-reforms

ELN: Policy Brief, 09.10.17: Can France and Germany Make PESCO Work as a Process Toward EU Defence? https://www.europeanleadershipnetwork.org/policy-brief/can-france-and-germany-make-pesco-work-as-a-process-toward-eu-defence/

EurActiv, 25.09.17: What does the German vote mean for Europe? http://www.euractiv.com/section/elections/interview/what-does-the-german-vote-mean-for-europe/

Politico, 25.09.17: 5 fronts in the coming eurozone battle http://www.politico.eu/article/emmanuel-macron-angela-merkel-eurozone-france-germany-5-fronts-in-the-coming-eurozone-battle/

Euro|Topics: Debates, September 2017: What the outcome means for Europe http://www.eurotopics.net/en/186405/what-the-outcome-means-for-europe

Spiegel Online International, 02.10.17: [Editorial]: Never Fear! Merkel Should Follow Macron's Lead on Europe http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/angela-merkel-should-follow-macron-s-path-on-europe-a-1170646.html

France24, 27.09.17: Merkel hails Macron's 'passionate' EU reform speech but calls for more debate http://www.france24.com/en/20170927-germany-france-european-union-merkel-welcomes-macron-eu-reform-speech

Blog: LSE EuroppBlog, 13.10.17: What a Jamaica coalition could mean for Eurozone reform http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2017/10/13/what-a-jamaica-coalition-could-mean-for-eurozone-reform/

Carnegie Europe: Strategic Europe, 26.09.17: Judy Asks: What Next For Europe After the German Election? http://carnegieeurope.eu/strategiceurope/73224?lang=en

Strategic Europe: Carnegie Europe, 08.11.17: Judy Asks: Is the Franco-German Engine Floundering? http://carnegieeurope.eu/strategiceurope/74662?lang=en

Strategic Europe: Carnegie Europe, 07.11.17: Waiting for Berlin http://carnegieeurope.eu/strategiceurope/74647?lang=en

Politico, 10.10.17: Emmanuel Macron: Leaders should start debate on EU’s future now http://www.politico.eu/article/emmanuel-macron-leaders-should-start-debate-on-eus-future-now/

Politico, 13-16.09.17: Reality blurs Macron’s eurozone vision http://www.politico.eu/article/macron-economy-eurozone-france-still-debating-grand-plans/

Carnegie Europe: Strategic Europe, 23.01.18: Waiting for Merkel’s Legacy http://carnegieeurope.eu/strategiceurope/75330?lang=en

EurActiv, 25.09.17: German voters deal a blow to Macron’s EU reform drive http://www.euractiv.com/section/future-eu/news/german-voters-deal-a-blow-to-macrons-eu-reform-drive/

EUObserver, 23.09.17: [Analysis]: Merkel-Macron: An EU motor in the making https://euobserver.com/political/139120

EUObserver, 25.09.17: EU hopes German elections lead to 'better Europe' https://euobserver.com/elections/139131

Carnegie Europe: Strategic Europe, 29.03.18: Franco-German Differences Over Defense Make Europe Vulnerable http://carnegieeurope.eu/strategiceurope/75937?lang=en

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