Germany and France to table joint investment projects

In a joint statement on 2 December 2014, France and Germany announced they were teaming up to create joint investment projects focused on the digital economy, while welcoming European Commission's Investment Plan, committing themselves 'to its rapid implementation and to make it as strong as possible'.

German Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel said France and Germany believed the best way to support Jean-Claude Juncker's investment plan was to develop "flagship projects" that helped both countries while at the same time boosting European competitiveness.

French economy minister Emmanuel Macron said in an interview in January 2015 that Germany should do more in terms of investment in the Eurozone.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Statement in the European Parliament plenary session on the €315 billion Investment Plan / EU launches Investment Offensive to boost jobs and growth http://www.europeansources.info/record/statement-in-the-european-parliament-plenary-session-on-the-e315-billion-investment-plan-eu-launches-investment-offensive-to-boost-jobs-and-growth/

ESO: Background information: Bundestag approves 2015 budget with no new debt http://www.europeansources.info/record/bundestag-approves-2015-budget-with-no-new-debt/

EurActiv, 08.12.14: EU investment plan to boost digital technology http://www.euractiv.com/sections/infosociety/eu-investment-plan-boost-digital-technology-310636

ESO: Background information: Merkel calls for 'industry 4.0' at German IT Summit http://www.europeansources.info/record/merkel-calls-for-industry-4-0-at-german-it-summit/

Deutsche Welle, 08.12.14: Germany to raise billions for EU investment plan http://dw.de/p/1E0f2

BBC News, 06.01.15: Germany 'must invest more', says France's economy minister http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30704993

France24, 06.01.15: Germany, France 'must go further' to spur economic growth http://www.france24.com/en/20150106-germany-france-must-do-more-economic-growth-macron/

EurActiv, 04.03.15: German government bolsters municipal investment power http://www.euractiv.com/sections/innovation-industry/german-government-bolsters-municipal-investment-power-312594

EUObserver, 10.06.15: [Opinion] The 'Little European' mentality https://euobserver.com/opinion/129052

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