Today, on 19th April 2018, German Chancellor Angela Merkel receives French President Emanuel Macron in her chancellery in Berlin to talk about possible reforms regarding the European Union (EU).
Macron is known for his pro-European ideas when it comes to EU reforms. In order to build a discussion that goes further than mere talks, he is counting on support from Germany. After his speech on Tuesday, 17th April 2018, at the European Parliament (EP) in Strasbourg, he will try to convince Merkel to stand on his side when creating a more European society. He has already suggested the creation of a European monetary fund, a Euro-zone budget as well as a European ministry devoted to European finances.
Although many German parties such as the Greens and the Social-Democratic Party (SDP), which is part of Merkel’s coalition government, support the idea to cooperate with Macron, her own party, the Christian Democrats (CDU), and the Christian Socialist Union (CSU) are not backing the Chancellor’s pro-European attitude. They think that Macron’s ideas are too unrealistic, taken into account the current situation in the EU. Especially SPD members are not satisfied with this EU hostile position, since the newly elaborated coalition agreement between them and the CDU includes many elements aiming at strengthening the European dimension of German politics.
It is thus up to Merkel to find a diplomatic way in order to satisfy both sides. She suggested the establishment of a Council uniting the European ministers for finance and economic affairs together. She also announced to insist on the fact that the EU must focus on finding solutions to the refugee crisis and how to speak with one European voice when it comes to foreign affairs.
Pia Dittmar
For further information:
Website Tagesschau: http://www.tagesschau.de/inland/merkel-macron-147.html
Website Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung: http://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/emmanuel-macrons-besuch-bei-angela-merkel-kommentar-15548988.html
Website ZEIT: http://www.zeit.de/2018/17/emmanuel-macron-europa-deutschland-reformen
Website Le Monde:http://www.lemonde.fr/europe/article/2018/04/18/merkel-freine-les-ambitions-europeennes-de-macron_5286975_3214.html
