Germany and France Pledge to Strengthen Ties
Please note that we are not authorised to provide any investment advice. The content on this page is for information purposes only.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her French counterpart Francois Hollande pledged over the weekend to strengthen ties between the two countries, stressing that Europe must further deepen its political and economic integration to ensure peace and continuous prosperity across the continent.
Speaking at the 50th anniversary of their countries’ reconciliation following the end of the Second World War, the two leaders said they remain committed in tackling Europe’s problems, particularly eurozone’s spiraling debt crisis.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her French counterpart Francois Hollande pledged over the weekend to strengthen ties between the two countries, stressing that Europe must further deepen its political and economic integration to ensure peace and continuous prosperity across the continent.
Speaking at the 50th anniversary of their countries’ reconciliation following the end of the Second World War, the two leaders said they remain committed in tackling Europe’s problems, particularly eurozone’s spiraling debt crisis.
Related News: Merkel: Europe in Worst Crisis Since WW2
Related News: Are France And Germany Planning A Smaller Eurozone?
French President Francois Hollande said:
[quote] Less than 20 years after the most horrible global conflict, it took boldness to call for the union of our two countries which had fought against each other with such savagery. It took boldness to believe in Europe, this continent which had just torn itself apart. It took boldness to turn resentment into hope. [/quote]
Hollande said the two countries formed “the heart of Europe” and spoke of the need to “create instruments that make us stronger: a fiscal union, a banking union, a social union, a political union.”
Echoing his comments, Merkel said Germany and France have a “special responsibility” to ensure that Europe is “sustainably healthy”.
Merkel said:
[quote] However great the economic challenges may be, it remains and will remain valid: We Europeans are united in the pursuit of our happiness. [/quote]
Despite the kind words of affirmation, both leaders often hold opposing views, particularly on how to save the euro – Merkel has a more austere policy on public spending and has, more often than not, been accused of being reluctant to share the burden and responsibility for the eurozone crisis.
Related Story: Why Germany Has No Choice but to Save Europe: Mohamed El-Erian
Related News: France-Germany Split Widens Over ECB’s Role
Hollande, on the other hand, said in his election campaign that he would not back an EU stability pact unless it had a plan for economic growth.
He, nevertheless, compared Germany and France to an elderly couple, with a relationship that is “essential” even though it “sometimes loses the way.”
“We tend to believe the friendship goes without effort, that it’s banal, that we will always be together,” he said. Yet to truly appreciate “how precious” the relationship is, “we have the duty to light up our flame every day.”
Related News: French-German Split May Spell Doom For EU Summit
Related Story: Can Hollande Change the Balance of Power in Europe? : Zaki Laidi
