As long as France and Germany keep sticking together, their economic dominance can hardly be challenged
02.04.2024
Gabor Horvath
Can the Franco-German alliance be called the locomotive of Europe, and who can become the third, for symmetry, the Newssky’s correspondent asked Gabor Horvath, who is deputy editor-in-chief of the Hungarian newspaper Népszava, to comment.
In 1950, mere five years after the end of World War 2 the French politician Robert Schuman proposed a merger of France and Germany. Despite the repeated conflicts of modern times, both territories (countries) and their population (nations) had a shared history and much in common. Inasmuch a merger like that seemed to be a realistic option.
— Robert Schuman is «guilty» of the formation of Europe…
Even though this gigantic project was not realized, Schuman is widely considered one of the «fathers of Europe». His idea was to end the wars between France and Germany once and for all and to bring eternal peace upon the continent – or at least to the Western part of it.
What is the European Union really like now?
In our time the European Union is a very strong international player representing about one-sixth of the world economy. Germany itself is the world’s 3rd economic power, while France occupies the 7th position.
Through the previous decades, these two were often mentioned as being the «locomotive», moving along the ever-growing train, now consisting of 27 wagons. As long as they keep sticking together, their economic dominance can hardly be challenged, while in case they jockey for positions fighting each other they may face significant obstacles of ragtag alliances within the alliance. In theory, Italy or Spain could join them to form an overwhelming internal force, but it’s not as much a mathematical problem as a question of ambition and long-term vision.
Which country could strengthen this duo?
Rome and Madrid occasionally show some interest in getting involved, but they usually lack the required stamina to fight for their place under the Sun.
What is your position regarding Poland?
Another emerging European power with the necessary sized population and economic power and showing great ambition is Poland, the world’s 21st largest economy. With its population of 41 million (plus the Ukrainian refugees), Poland is a de facto leader of the Eastern flank. This makes it an ideal partner for Berlin and Paris – if Warsaw doesn’t pretend to be a counterweight but finds a common purpose to advance with the great European project. In this sense, the results of the last general election in Poland give hope for a new, exceptionally dynamic European setup.
On the part of Poland, there is of course the issue of traditional suspicion toward Germany – but it’s enough to look at the dangers threatening the country from the East to set aside old and baseless fears. Then there is the allure of being accepted as an equal partner in the core of the future federalist Europe. This is a position of much greater influence and a good chance for faster growth, which would be a mistake to miss.
Maryna Kovalchuk, Newssky’s correspondent (Europe and Canada), head of the V5 Media project, and deputy editor-in-chief, contributed.
