'GERMANY AND EUROPE: A NEW TONE OR POLITICS AS USUAL?' - A PROJECTION OF THE GERMAN EU PRESIDENCY

The German EU Presidency, from January to June 2007, will face numerous challenges among which the most important consists in helping Europe emerge from the deep Constitutional crisis in which it is embedded and of reenergising the enlargement project. Furthermore, it will be necessary to tackle several dossiers linked to the Lisbon Agenda, energy policy and re-launching the Constitutional project, as well as issues relating to Justice and Home Affairs, immigration policy, the struggle against terror and a wide array of topics including the European Neighbourhood Policy. The agenda is, therefore, both heavy and complex. Unfortunately, the threat of an international crisis and the French elections will significantly reduce the policy options for Germany, because Germany's European policy can only be discussed within the framework of its relationship with France. To reenergise the European project, the traditional "Franco-Gerrnan engine" will have to act in close cooperation with other large and small EU states. Europe's strength resides in its ability to change and adapt to new challenges and opportunities. The fundamental issues of Europe's future, defence and energy, require an open frame of mind and forward thinking. Simultaneously, they necessitate a clear definition of all of Europe's interests, not solely those of France and Germany. It is up to a new and modern thinking Franco-German duo to devise clear strategies in order to respond to these new challenges.