| Author (Person) | Bower, Helen | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Publisher | ProQuest Information and Learning | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series Title | In Focus | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series Details | 14.1.03 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Publication Date | 14/01/2003 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content Type | News, Overview, Topic Guide | In Focus | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder are expected to discuss the future of the European Union and their positions on a possible war against Iraq at a bilateral summit meeting in Paris on 14 January 2003. Increased co-operation between the two key EU Member States is expected to be the outcome of the meeting ahead of the 40th Anniversary of the 1963 Elysee Treaty on Franco-German co-operation that will take place on 22 January 2003. One of the key items on the agenda at the Paris summit will be an exchange of ideas on the future of Europe. Whilst Germany has suggested the strengthening the role of President of the European Commission by having him/her elected by the European Parliament, France has proposed introducing a European President who would be elected by the Member States to replace the current system of rotating Council Presidencies. The two parties will need to work out a compromise in order to present a bilateral initiative on the EU's future to the European Convention later in the month. French and German positions over any possible military action against Iraq are also at odds with each other. France has indicated that she would take part in a strike if it had the approval of the UN Council but the German government has ruled out any participation. Yet despite these differences, Chirac and Schröder are expected to look at developing closer domestic foreign and defence policies, particularly when presenting policies to international bodies such as the united Nations' Security Council. The leaders from the two countries - traditionally seen as the motors in European integration - will also discuss a number of EU policy related issues such as co-operation in the areas of justice and home affairs, EU border police, EU prosecution service and an EU crime register. The appointment of a secretary general responsible for Franco-German co-operation in each country is planned to cement the improving relationship and the two leaders may even agree for ministers to attend each other's cabinet meetings. If what is on the table is agreed, it will take Franco-German co-operation to an unprecedented level, a move which will concern British officials who fear that the United Kingdom could become increasingly sidelined in European affairs.
Helen Bower Compiled: Tuesday, 14 January 2003 French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder are expected to discuss the future of the European Union and their positions on a possible war against Iraq at a bilateral summit meeting in Paris on 14 January 2003. |
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| Countries / Regions | France, Germany | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
