Hollande announces talks with Merkel on ‘the future of Europe’ – Hollande eyes end to Russia sanctions, rules out solo action in Libya

French president François Hollande gave an unprecedented two-hour interview with FranceInter radio on 5 January 2015, talking about the challenges facing the European Union and the sanctions against Russia amongst other issues of the international stage.

Mr Hollande announced he would meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on 11 January 2015 to discuss common economic positions and a new attitude in terms of decision-making on a EU level. The president also discussed the options for lifting sanctions on Russia.

ESO: Background information: 'Poets and Alchemists': Berlin and Paris Undermine Euro Stability http://www.europeansources.info/record/poets-and-alchemists-berlin-and-paris-undermine-euro-stability/

ESO: Background information: Russia targets Cyprus, Hungary, and Italy for sanctions veto http://www.europeansources.info/record/russia-targets-cyprus-hungary-and-italy-for-sanctions-veto/

EUObserver, 06.01.15: France: EU-Russia sanctions 'must stop now' http://euobserver.com/foreign/127101

France24, 05.01.15: Hollande eyes end to Russia sanctions, rules out solo action in Libya http://www.france24.com/en/20150105-france-hollande-russia-sanctions-putin-ukraine-libya-intervention-greece-syriza/

EurActiv, 06.01.15: France, Germany concerned about Russia sanctions policy http://www.euractiv.com/sections/europes-east/france-germany-concerned-about-russia-sanctions-policy-311046

France24, 05.01.15: France’s unpopular Hollande launches 2015 charm offensive http://www.france24.com/en/20150105-france-fran%C3%A7ois-hollande-media-offensive-tv-radio-2015-sarkozy/

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