Saturday, January 26, 2019

France & Germany: "We Are Committed To The Emergence Of A European Army"

German Chancellor Angela Merkel recently said that a new pact between German and France aims to build a Franco-German "Common military culture" and "Contribute to the creation of a European army." Pictured: Soldiers of the Franco-German brigade, a military unit founded in 1989, jointly consisting of units from the French Army and German Army.

France and Germany, the self-appointed guardians of European integration, have said that the new treaty is a response to the growing influence of populists in Austria, Britain, France, Italy, Hungary, Poland and other European countries who are seeking to slow, and even reverse, European integration by recouping national sovereignty from the European Union and transferring those powers back to national capitals.

Article 8 commits both states to "Cooperate closely in all organs of the United Nations." They will "Closely coordinate their positions, as part of a wider effort of consultation among the EU member states sitting on the UN Security Council and in accordance with the positions and interests of the European Union." They will "Do their utmost to achieve a unified position of the European Union in the appropriate organs of the United Nations." The two states also "Undertake to continue their efforts to reform the United Nations Security Council." The admission of Germany as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council "Is a priority of Franco-German diplomacy."

"Therefore, first of all, this situation requires a new founding of our responsibility within the European Union - the responsibility of Germany and France in this European Union. Secondly, it requires a redefinition of the direction of our cooperation. Thirdly, it requires a common understanding of our international role, which can lead to joint action. For this reason, there is, fourthly, a need for shared similarities between our two peoples - in institutions, but above all in the daily living together of our peoples; and especially in the area close to the border....".

"We are committed to developing a common military culture, a common defense industry and a common line on arms exports. We want to make our contribution to the emergence of a European army."

Macron, also speaking in Aachen, added: "At a time when Europe is threatened by nationalism, which is growing from within, Germany and France must assume their responsibility and show the way forward." He said that the agreement is an "Important moment" for showing that the bilateral relationship was "a bedrock which can relaunch itself... in the service of reinforcing the European project." Macron defended the European Union as a "Shield against tumults of the world."

"The Aachen Treaty is a step in the wrong direction. Under the guise of European cooperation, the treaty is the result of the French interest of transferring and redistributing German power, to the detriment of the German taxpayers. It would also create a Franco-German special relationship that would alienate Germany from other European nations."

https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-01-25/france-germany-we-are-committed-emergence-european-army

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