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| New French, German Leaders off to Fine Start to Revive EU |
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The weakened German-Franco motor of the European Union might put on some new dynamics as new French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel vowed on Wednesday to work together to tackle the EU institutional crisis. Just hours after taking over from Jacques Chirac, Sarkozy made a symbolic visit to Germany, his first trip abroad as the French leader, to highlight the importance of the traditional Franco-German partnership. Speaking alongside Merkel at a photo opportunity before their talks and dinner, Sarkozy stressed that he wants to get to work immediately with the first emergency being to "get the European Union out of its current paralysis." "It is necessary that Germany which holds the EU presidency, and France which has always been its privileged partner in Europe, see eye to eye on this issue," said the new French president. Merkel, while describing Sarkozy's visit to Berlin on the day of his inauguration as a sign of the "great friendship" between the two European powers, also stressed the importance to "put the European Union on a new contractual basis up until 2009." During election campaigns, Sarkozy proposed the idea of a "minitreaty" comprised of the essentials of the ill-fated constitution to allow the institutions of the 27-nation bloc to function fully. He has also promised to push a new charter through French parliament instead of attempt another referendum, which certainly is a good news for Berlin. Merkel is apparently in an agreement with Sarkozy on the simplified plans in a bid to rescue the core of the constitutional proposal. Merkel said in Brussels on Tuesday that she looked forward to discussing with Sarkozy his plan to renew the EU's "capacity for action." The German chancellor has made reviving the constitutional project a priority of Germany's EU presidency and hopes to broker agreement at a June 21-22 EU summit on a roadmap for a new treaty to be in place by 2009. On Wednesday's public appearance, Sarkozy offered little details on his "mini treaty" proposal. How far he would support Merkel's EU vision is still an open question. As reasons for Berlin to have guarded optimism, the two leaders have much in common. Both are conservatives, and are united in their support for closer ties with Washington and in their opposition to Turkey's bid to join the EU. They also favor reforms of the welfare state in the era of globalization. But some German analysts also believe that Sarkozy could be a "uncomfortable partner" for Berlin, who has the reputation of being a hardliner, especially when national interests are concerned. Berlin and Paris would find themselves not in the same boat when the EU budget is revised next year and Paris might come under pressure to reduce domestic farm subsidies. On Wednesday, Sarkozy also surprised Berlin by describing solving highly sensitive financial problems at Franco-German aerospace giant EADS as the second emergency he wants to tackle. During election campaigns, Sarkozy vowed to dismantle the shareholder agreement which guarantees a parity between France and Germany within the parent company of Airbus. But Germany will certainly resist any French attempt to get greater control of the company. (Xinhua News Agency May 19, 2007) |
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