France and Germany, condemned to understand each other 60 years after the Élysée treaty

It already seems an undeniable fact that the Russian invasion of the Ukraine has uncovered relations that are less strained between France and Germany.

In front of the cameras, the harmony between Emmanuel Macron y Olaf Scholz is absolute, but the truth is that there are deep divisions between them in their respective strategic visions for Europe, specifically with regard to Defense.

This is at least the opinion of the editor-in-chief of Strategic Europe, Judy Dempseyinterviewed in Euronews.

“This is essentially how France sees its role in Europe and Europe’s role in looking after its own defense and security interests,” Dempsey explains. “This is something that Germany is unable to accept, because it is very bad in security and defense, since in reality The security provider for Germany, and indeed for Europe, is still the United States.”

Although the vision of Paris in defense matters is European, this is not always the case for Germany. The European missile shield contract that Berlin signed in October with several European Union countries includes defense systems from the United States and Israel, angering Paris.

Dempsey claims to be clear that, within the Union, France is the defense actor and Germany the economic oneadding that the war in Ukraine has bolstered NATO as well as pushed Germany to shed its post-Cold War ties with Russia.

“The whole question of stability must be essential in the relationship between Paris and Berlin”, maintains the expert. “If they understand how fragile this stability is, they will be able to involve the other Member States and give the transatlantic relationship the momentum it needs, with Europe playing a much bigger role.”

Despite past and present differences, Germany and France continue to be the leading actors in today’s Europe, with strong diplomatic ties that date back to the signing of the Elysee Treaty, which turns 60 this Sunday.

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