Will the Franco-German engine run out of fuel? Relations between France and Germany, at the center of the European Union (EU), are going through a difficult phase after the postponement to January 2023 of the Franco-German council initially scheduled for Fontainebleau on October 26. Berlin invoked on Wednesday “logistical difficulties”but also recognizes that the two countries have not found “common position” on “a whole series of subjects”.
Capping of gas purchase prices, military cooperation against Russia, criticism of the German 200 billion euro plan against inflation… The angry subjects are piling up. For his part, Emmanuel Macron assured that he wanted to preserve “friendship and alliance between Germany and France” upon his arrival in Brussels (Belgium), Thursday 20 October, on the occasion of a European Council devoted to the energy crisis. How to explain this misunderstanding? Franceinfo questioned Sophie Pornschlegel, political analyst at the think tank European Policy Center in Brussels, on this subject.
franceinfo: What does the postponement of the Franco-German council mean? Is it really significant?
Sophie Pornschlegel: Yes. It is a very bad signal which shows that the two largest countries of the European Union do not realize their European responsibilities. The national interest takes precedence over cooperation. This is exactly what we need with the shortages in the energy sector that are looming this winter.
The fact that Germany refuses a European compromise on the limitation of the price of gas imports shows that Berlin and Paris are unable to overcome their national interests. We must nevertheless remember that these two governments are supposed to be pro-European. It’s a peak.
What is not working at the moment in the Franco-German relationship?
The question is not so much the fact that there are disagreements, because the national interests of France and Germany have always diverged. But there is normally a political will to find a compromise. For the moment, I do not observe any will on both sides.
France, with its powerful nuclear lobby, decided to block a gas pipeline project with Spain, which would have benefited Germany. On the German side, we simply do not realize the importance of German policy for Europe. Since this coalition came to power, the Social Democratic Chancellor has been more busy resolving disagreements between parties than seeking compromises in Europe.
Despite the pro-European will, in fact, we still see that it is the national interest that takes precedence. There is no search for a compromise with France and that, in the current situation, is very serious.
How do you explain it?
All heads of state and government are under pressure because energy prices are exploding and we are in a very precarious situation for this winter. Of course, there is a desire to engage in politics that will primarily benefit its national voters. But the big problem is that they don’t think long term. We are trying to find a solution to the crisis to ensure that we remain in power. Finally, the European Union falls by the wayside.
Is the slowdown in the Franco-German engine likely to affect the whole EU?
We are well aware that next winter, things could be even worse and that is why we absolutely have to find a solution at European level. If we do nothing, it will stir up feelings of hatred towards each other. Imagine if we realize that Germans can leave their heating on this winter, while Estonians or Slovaks have to turn it off.
I am afraid to observe an absence of political will in the current crisis. However, we do not have time to wait another year to find out if we are going to find a solution on energy prices. If France or Germany do not succeed in finding a compromise, it is difficult to imagine that the Twenty-Seven will succeed.