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An Old Couple in a New Setting: Franco-German Leadership in the Post-Brexit EU
[journal article]
Abstract What are the implications of Brexit for the nature, role, and potential of Franco-German leadership in the EU? Brexit, we contend, is both an expression and a further cause of two broader underlying developments in the contemporary EU: First, a stronger and more prominent German part and position, a... view more
What are the implications of Brexit for the nature, role, and potential of Franco-German leadership in the EU? Brexit, we contend, is both an expression and a further cause of two broader underlying developments in the contemporary EU: First, a stronger and more prominent German part and position, and second, disintegrative tendencies in several EU policy fields and the EU polity as a whole. This, in turn, has major implications for Franco-German bilateralism and for Franco-German leadership in the EU. In light of a stronger Germany, a relatively weaker France, and significant centrifugal forces, the two largest EU member states must not only realign their bilateral relationship but must also act as a stabilizer in and for the EU. We show that during the EU's recent crises, not least during the Brexit negotiations and the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, France and Germany did exercise joint leadership. We also show, however, that major discrepancies persist between the two countries in particular policy fields and with regard to longer-term European objectives. Brexit, with its numerous calamities and implications, thus once again moves Franco-German leadership - and its shortcomings - to center stage in Europe. When it comes to leadership in the EU, there remains no viable alternative to the Franco-German duo. Yet, in order to provide constructive leadership and successfully shape the EU, the two countries must bridge substantial differences and be ready to carry disproportionately high burdens.... view less
Keywords
EU; political leadership; France; Federal Republic of Germany; EU policy; bilateral relations; Great Britain
Classification
European Politics
Free Keywords
Brexit; Covid-19; bilateralism
Document language
English
Publication Year
2021
Page/Pages
p. 48-58
Journal
Politics and Governance, 9 (2021) 1
Issue topic
What Brexit Means for Europe: EU Institutions and Actors after the British Referendum
ISSN
2183-2463
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed