G20: Angela Merkel sketches vision of France-German led Europe

[nitpicker]

Source: DW

G20: Angela Merkel sketches vision of France-German led Europe

Germany and France will take a greater role in leading the European Union, and Europe must take a greater role in leading the world. That would be one way of summarizing Angela Merkel's speech to the German parliament on Thursday. Merkel began her 30-minute address by reporting on the EU summit last weekend and discussing the bloc's prospects as it negotiates the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the union. Significantly, Merkel spoke of "France and our other partners in the EU." She said that she had specifically talked with French President Emmanuel Macron about a "medium-term plan for deepening the EU and the euro zone." She added that German and French interests were "connected in the closest possible way."

The German chancellor argued that the EU was recovering from its economic crisis, with all 27 remaining members recording growth and lower unemployment. The UK, Merkel suggested, was no longer at the center of European plans. "Our priority to prepare for our own future within the European Union, regardless of the Brexit," Merkel said.

The chancellor also reiterated the need, against the backdrop of tensions with the United States under Donald Trump, for the EU to take more responsibility. "Europe has no choice but to increasingly take its fate in its own hands," Merkel said.

The second half of Merkel's speech was devoted to the G20 summit of the world's leading nations in the northern German city of Hamburg on July 7 and 8. The chancellor stressed the need for Europe to present a common front against Donald Trump in particular over the Paris Agreement on climate protection. "Since the withdrawal of the US, we're more determined than ever that this be a success," Merkel said. "We can't wait for the last man on earth to be convinced by the scientific evidence for climate change." She added that the Paris Agreement was "irreversible and non-negotiable."
(snip)


Read more: http://www.dw.com/en/g20-angela-merkel-sketches-vision-of-france-german-led-europe/a-39469089

[DonCoquixote]

1. great Trump, really (sarcasm flag flown way high)

It is obvious that Trump wants to trade these allies for the Russians.

[Not Ruth]

7. Next World War

Will be US, Russia, China and Israel vs France, Germany, and the EU.

[Yupster]

11. Germany has seen that movie already

Fighting Russia and the US at once hasn't been the best idea for Germany. Maybe take three will be better than the first two but I doubt it.

[Chemisse]

2. When there is a power vacuum, somebody is going to fill it.

Thanks to Trump's alienation with European leaders, and Great Britain's withdrawal from the EU, all the dynamics are changing.

France and Germany would make good leaders.

[madokie]

3. I see this as good

engagement is the key. Working together is the goal. Peace is the plan.

[LiberalLovinLug]

4. The new Leaders of the Free World

and....I don't think anyone would object to Trudeau tagging along.

[JI7]

5. I'm fine with that.

[no_hypocrisy]

6. Better than Trump's America leading the world.

[riversedge]

8. But we are still spending on our military.

[Hieronymus]

9. A major shift in world power structure.

[muriel_volestrangler]

10. Merkel vows to put climate change at centre of G20 talks

---snip---

When chairing the summit, Merkel said she would seek to guide talks such that they furthered the goals of the Paris deal, but she conceded that differences with the US meant discussions would not be easy.

“The differences are obvious and it would be dishonest to try to cover that up. That I won’t do,” she said, adding that the forum, which meets on 7 and 8 July, would also discuss common approaches to trade, another area in which the Trump administration’s protectionist instincts are at odds with the European Union’s.

“Anybody who believes the problems of the world can be solved with isolationism and protectionism is labouring under a huge error,” Merkel said.
...
“Merkel has called a summit between Europeans because there is a problem with the relationship with Trump,” said a diplomatic source, speaking on condition of anonymity. It’s necessary to ensure European cohesion because within the G20, it’s complicated.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jun/29/merkel-vows-to-put-climate-change-at-centre-of-g20-talks