Europe: Macron-Merkel, a strong meeting in symbols in Brégançon

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Brussels on July 21, 2020. John Thys / Reuters

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As in previous years, the French president's diplomatic return took place at Fort Brégançon, his vacation spot. After the former head of the British government Theresa May, then Russian President Vladimir Putin, this year, Emmanuel Macron receives Angela Merkel on Thursday August 20. The French Head of State wishes to stress the importance of the Franco-German link.

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We have to go back to 1985 to find any trace of an invitation from a German leader to Brégançon: Helmut Kohl had come to meet François Mitterrand. Angela Merkel, after fifteen years in power, goes for the first time to the summer residence of French presidents. The German Chancellor is expected at Fort Brégançon on Thursday August 20. Emmanuel Macron, the French president, wants to consolidate the link between the two countries. The response to the coronavirus crisis had already brought the two leaders together, who had agreed on a common stimulus position in May.

Angela Merkel reflects on the balance sheet she will leave when she leaves in a year

Between Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron, the signs of good understanding are multiplying: on the recovery plan in Europe (which still has to take steps), on the crisis in Belarus , on Lebanon, on Mali also it is claimed. at the Elysee. There remains only one point of disagreement, but it is sizeable: Turkey and the tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. Last week, on this issue, Berlin sent Athens and Paris to one side, and Ankara to the other. Angela Merkel makes sure to speak regularly to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and hopes to bring about a common position of the 27.

In a year, the Chancellor will step down from office. This semester of presidency of the European Union is undoubtedly the last moment when Angela Merkel, thinking of her record, will make her voice heard on the diplomatic scene. Still, Berlin is starting to move away from its traditional position of cautious withdrawal. Opinion itself is shifting: four years ago, only 28% of Germans thought their country should take more responsibility in international affairs. At the end of 2019, they were 42%.

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  • France
  • Germany
  • Emmanuel Macron
  • Angela Merkel
  • European Union

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