While the relationship between France and Germany is experiencing a cold snap, the history between the two countries is old. To the point of forming, in Europe, a tandem for several decades. But in an eruptive geopolitical context, is such a definition still valid?
In diplomacy, there is no love. There are only proofs of love. For seven decades, two countries, long sworn enemies, have wanted to make their partnership the engine of a continent. A political and economic “couple” made up of France and Germany, as it is customary to call this very special agreement within Europe. But in any relationship, the years pass, the misunderstandings sometimes increase and some signs of fractures show very deep divisions. This is more or less the state in which the two Rhine border nations find themselves in this autumn of 2022. The culmination of this cold snap, the cancellation of the Franco-German Council of Ministers which was to take place on 26 october. Postponed for the second time in January, officially for “calendar reasons”, this diplomatic format was replaced on Wednesday by a simple meeting at the Élysée between Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz. Interview that was “very constructive” according to the Elysée.