The embodiment of "Franco-German axis" economic interests in the EU

Politicians in France and Germany have recently sent clear messages: the two countries will form alliances in diplomacy, national defense, economy, society and education. French Foreign Minister de Villepin pointed out that France and Germany are getting closer because "we can't lose the only historical opportunity."

The new and old members of the European Union have great disputes over the Charter of the European Union, which marks the birth of the new European Union. France and Germany have made the worst plan: once the EU's eastward expansion fails, the two countries will continue to rely on their unity and play the role of "axis" to promote the process of European integration.

According to the draft charter, the Council adopts a "double majority" from the election of the EU President to the voting on immigration issues, that is, as long as 13 countries representing more than 60% of the population in Europe agree, resolutions can be passed. Spain and Poland are firmly opposed to this, arguing that it is beneficial to big countries and demanding that the number of voting rights allocated according to the population of each country as stipulated in the Nice Treaty be retained. At the Nice Summit in June, 5438+February, 2000, due to the differences between France and Germany, the Treaty of Nice gave Spain and Poland 27 votes respectively, which was comparable to Germany, France and Britain's 29 votes. In addition, Austria, Finland, Hungary, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Malta and Lithuania, and other "small countries", objected to the draft that only 15 members of the Committee had the right to vote, and demanded that the Committee be expanded to 25 representatives with equal rights. Poland, Spain, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands and other countries also demanded that the "Christian roots" in Europe be included in the charter. France, Belgium and others think that this violates the principle of non-religion and will make many Muslims and people of other religions in Europe feel excluded. Moreover, there is no such precedent in the Convention on Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

In order to correct the "Nice Deviation", in 200 1 12, the EU decided to set up a constitutional preparatory committee, draft an EU charter and re-plan the EU's decision-making mechanism. The 65,438,005 members of the Preparatory Committee for the Constitution finalized the draft Charter of the European Union in July this year after a year and a half of difficult negotiations. The plan was approved by the intergovernmental meeting at the end of this year and submitted to parliaments for voting. Destin, chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the Constitution, believes that the draft embodies the tradition of "pluralistic unity" in the EU and hopes that all countries can accept it as it is. However, if the differences are difficult to bridge and the Charter cannot be passed, it will inevitably affect the EU's eastward expansion as scheduled next year.

In the face of differences, the "Franco-German Axis" has a firm attitude, indicating that there is no room for bargaining. The "old Europe" that created the European Union is also United. France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and other countries expressed their full acceptance of the draft. Although Britain refused to give up its veto power on tax, foreign policy and national defense policy, it also expressed its willingness to accept the draft for common interests. As for the "new Europe" headed by Poland, French and German leaders have repeatedly stated that the carefully negotiated and woven draft will never be allowed to be "dismantled".

The "Franco-German Axis" has always been the main driving force to promote the process of European integration, but it is also often criticized. It is believed that although it helps to build a "multi-speed Europe", it harms the interests of the EU. In the face of unprecedented expansion, the EU needs to reposition its concept of peaceful reunification of Europe. Due to the increase of member countries, differences are inevitable. As the rotating chairman, Italy hopes to conclude the discussion on the draft charter before the end of this year. The draft charter is the result of compromise between all parties, and it is believed that "constitutional differences" will be resolved as scheduled.