Europe’s crises and the EU’s ‘big three’

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Series Title
Series Details Vol.39, No.5, September 2016, p1053-1072
Publication Date September 2016
ISSN 0140-2382
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Abstract:

This article examines the impact and significance of the Crimea–Ukraine–Russia and the eurozone crises on relations among and between the EU’s three biggest member states – Britain, France and Germany – as well as their individual influence and roles within the EU. The Ukraine and eurozone crises have revealed and intensified three longer-term developments in contemporary European politics: Germany’s rise as the EU’s most powerful member state and its role as Europe’s indispensable policy broker; the resilience and centrality of Franco-German bilateralism, despite the growing power imbalance separating the two; and Britain’s diminished and diminishing role in EU affairs. To put the current period of turmoil in perspective, this article also aims to contribute to a better understanding of the operating logic of crisis, continuity and change in the relations of the EU’s big three member states.

Source Link Link to Main Source http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01402382.2016.1181872
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