The Franco-German axis in European integration

Book abstract:

Since the Treaty of Paris in April 1951, which created the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), France and Germany have been prominent in bringing about greater European integration. They have jointly initiated virtually every step leading to economic co-operation and monetary union. This book investigates the relationship between France and Germany, assessing its strengths and weaknesses and their role in furthering European integration.

The book begins by examining the individual history of each country in terms of its relationship to Europe and assesses how each country's perception of its role in Europe has developed. The book carries on to examine issues for Franco-German relations in the development of three European Union policy areas. The role of France and Germany in the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) project is examined including assessment of disagreements in the way that the project has been approached by the two countries and conflicts that may remain. This is followed by a section on Franco-German relations in the development of a common foreign and security policy. This includes a look at Franco-German positions on recent key issues in Iraq, Bosnia and Kosovo. The final section looks at the role of the two countries in EU enlargement paying attention to issues on which the countries agree and disagree.

The book is aimed at students of European Studies and International Relations as well as policymakers and interest groups.

Gisela Hendriks is Lecturer in European Studies at the University of Kent at Canterbury. Annette Morgan was formerly Senior Lecturer in European Training at the Civil Service College, UK.