French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire "Europe Evaded Catastrophe By a Hair's Breadth" French Economy and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, 51, believes that the European Union is now back on track after some dicey moments earlier in the corona crisis. In an interview with DER SPIEGEL, though, he says that Europe isn't out of the woods yet. Interview Conducted by Britta Sandberg in Paris
Paris Soloist Macron Plays Fox in the EU Hen House French President Emmanuel Macron has a grand foreign policy vision for Europe and he has been energetically pushing it forward. In the process, though, he has angered Germany and other European Union allies. Von Christiane Hoffmann, Peter Müller, Britta Sandberg und Christoph Schult
Commission President Merkel and Macron at Odds over New EU Leader After disagreements over Brexit, the Nord Stream pipeline and Eurozone reforms, the relationship between France and Germany has grown tenser. Now, another conflict is brewing: Who should become president of the European Commission? Von Julia Amalia Heyer, Christiane Hoffmann, Peter Müller und Britta Sandberg
Europe's Sputtering Motor France and Germany Far Apart on EU Reform The cabinets of Germany and France are set to meet on Tuesday, but the two countries remain far apart when it comes to eurozone reform. Paris is disappointed with Germany's response to Emmanuel Macron's proposals. By DER SPIEGEL Staff
France, Germany and the EU The European Motor Sputters to Life Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Emmanuel Macron hope to reinvigorate the Franco-German partnership. Yet even as military cooperation moves forward, the two countries are still far apart on eurozone reforms. Von Peter Müller und Christian Reiermann
Brexit Aftermath Europe's Zero Hour Presents an Opportunity Brexit is a catastrophe, but it is not the end of the European Union. The EU must now take advantage of the opportunity it has been presented with. Here's how. Von Dirk Kurbjuweit
'Poets and Alchemists' Berlin and Paris Undermine Euro Stability Market uncertainty over the future of the euro has returned, but that hasn't stopped France from flouting European Union deficit rules. Berlin is already busy hashing out a dubious compromise. Von SPIEGEL Staff
Angie Abroad What Merkel's Win Means for Berlin's Allies Foreign policy has never been one of Angela Merkel's strong suits. But several German allies will be watching closely to see how the chancellor might use her new-found power on the international stage.
Painful Past German President Visits Nazi Massacre Site President Joachim Gauck on Wednesday became the first German head of state to visit the French village of Oradour-sur-Glane, the site of a gruesome massacre by the Waffen SS in 1944. It was an emotional visit with heavy significance for French-German relations. Von Florian Gathmann
A Difficult Guest Reforms Top German President's France Visit On Wednesday, President Joachim Gauck will be the first German head of state to visit the village of Oradour-sur-Glane, the site of a massacre perpetrated by German troops in WWII. But he also has a message for the French: He'd like to see more economic reform. Von Florian Gathmann
Bonjour Tristesse The Economic and Political Decline of France France is in the grip of a crisis. As both its economy and European influence weaken, scandal has hobbled its political elite. The country needs drastic overhaul, but President Hollande does nothing but waver and hesitate. Von Mathieu von Rohr
Commission Reduction EU Leaders to Sidestep Lisbon Treaty Rule The Lisbon Treaty clearly intends for the size of the European Commission to be reduced below its present size of 27 members. But EU leaders have reached unanimous agreement to sidestep the provision -- and even plan to add a seat to the table for the Croatians. Von Christoph Schult
Crisis of Friendship Split Persists Between Berlin and Paris As a further sign that all is not well in the Franco-German motor of Europe, the two countries will not issue a joint statement ahead of the next EU summit as Berlin had hoped. The development comes as France slips further into economic malaise.
'Can't Call That Savings' German Central Bank Head Blasts France German central bank head Jens Weidmann has strongly criticized French efforts to reduce its budget deficit, just days after the European Union granted Paris more time to meet EU requirements. He warns that French delays could damage the credibility of euro-zone rules.
Until Elections Do Us Part A Deep Frost in Franco-German Relations Progress in the European Union is stalled at the moment because France and Germany can't get along. Paris is hoping for a change of government in Berlin after elections this fall, but even that would do little to bridge growing differences between the countries. Von SPIEGEL Staff
EU Parliament President French Criticism of Merkel 'Unfair' European Parliament President Martin Schulz shielded German Chancellor Angela Merkel from French criticism on Monday evening, saying she couldn't be held responsible for all the bloc's economic woes because 26 other leaders are also involved in decision-making.
Letter from Berlin Franco-German Left Mired in Difficulties Germany's Social Democrats had hoped that François Hollande's victory last spring would provide them with some momentum. But Friday's visit to Paris by SPD candidate Peer Steinbrück has highlighted the difficulties facing the European left. A renaissance this election year seems unlikely. Von Charles Hawley
The World From Berlin 'Merkel and Hollande Seem to Get Along After All' Tuesday's celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the German-French friendship treaty masked deep differences between the nations. But those differences have always existed, and the countries seem committed to keep on tackling them with compromises that are crucial for Europe, write German commentators.
An Arduous Friendship Differences of Opinion Mark Franco-German Relations Though France and Germany are coming together this week to celebrate 50 years of postwar friendship, the two countries are growing further apart. Both countries are less interested in finding common ground on important issues and that attitude is preventing them from solving problems facing Europe. Von Mathieu von Rohr
Sealed with a Kiss Treaty Heralded New Era in Franco-German Ties Fifty years ago, German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer and French President Charles de Gaulle embraced after signing the Franco-German Friendship Treaty. Since then, the partnership between the two countries has become one of the cornerstones of European stability. Von Christoph Gunkel