Charlemagne. Euro EUphemism

Commentary feature suggests that French President François Hollande is trying to wriggle out of Germany’s demand for more political union.

For now, both France and Germany are reluctant to take the measures needed to create a coherent and stable euro zone. The worsening crisis may well push them, grudgingly, to take more half-steps. But a reluctant union is unlikely to be credible or lasting. So when he talks of intégration solidaire Mr Hollande cannot speak only of solidarity. He needs to say what sort of integration he is prepared to envisage. The euro crisis is a moment of truth, not only for Germany but for France as well.