Achieving results is a team effort: a comparative study of decision making processes in France and Germany regarding security crisis management

In response to security crises cooperation between France and Germany, which is a 'powerful factor of influence', is required in particular. However in this area the two countries differ due to their structures, procedures and cultures. As an example the German political system gives preference to endurance, whilst France is more oriented towards responsiveness; France privileges steering and the creation of specialised entities, whilst Germany favours coordination and consensus between the various organisations involved. However, both share the same vision of crisis management based on "a comprehensive approach", i.e. a coherent approach that combines varied tools, in a multi-lateral framework with particular attention being given to the prevention of conflict. Five main recommendations are put forward to strengthen Franco-German cooperation: developing mutual knowledge of the institutional mechanisms in force with regard to crisis management; comparing the two systems to learn from each respectively; thinking about common decision making criteria; defining a joint pre-decisional analysis grid and making use of the permanent structured cooperation principle that is part of the Lisbon Treaty.