After Five Years of Sarkozy, France’s Economy Still Stagnant
The president promised to “break with the past” but did little to reform France.
Western Europe
Dutch Budget Talks Fail, Elections Likely
Nationalists pull out of budget talks with the ruling parties in the Netherlands.
Britain, Japan Initiate Bilateral Defense Relations
Britain becomes the first nation after the United States to maintain military relations with Japan.
Eurofighter: The Great German Backstab
Did Germany lobby to deny Britain a major defense procurement deal with India?
French Election, Proxy Battle Over Austerity
Right wing parties across Europe have lined up behind incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy while the left supports his socialist challenger.
Cameron Struggles With “Responsibility to Protect”
The British leader says if there is a chance to “save lives,” he doesn’t need UN approval.
The Long Shadow of German Ordoliberalism
Germany’s strict focus on price stability is not the result of it experience with hyperinflation.
Ahead of Election, Sarkozy Advocates Protectionism
The French president decried “savage competition” from abroad.
Dutch, German Left Demand Concessions on Fiscal Treaty
Governments in Germany and the Netherlands need opposition support.
Berlin Consensus Redefines European Union
The Brussels Consensus of political compromise as a solution for all of Europe’s problems is coming apart.
Ireland, Spain Cast Doubt on Europe’s Austerity Pact
Opposition in Ireland and a worse fiscal outlook for Spain could jeopardize Europe’s fiscal compact.
Hollande Proposes Tax Hike, Sarkozy Narrows Gap
Nicolas Sarkozy says his opponent’s plan to raise taxes on the rich would “isolate France.”
Libya: French Soft Power in Retrospect
France’s leadership role in Libya was an example of its ability to “frame and shame.”
Suez Reversed? The Entente Cordiale Rides Again
Britain and France could shape the geopolitics of Europe again.
Sarkozy Promises “Strong France,” Calls Rival Liar
The conservative president launches his reelection bid with a promise to strengthen France.