France had a policy, initiated by General de Gaulle, of trying to turn Europe into what was then called a 'third force,' independent of the two superpowers, so Europe should pursue an independent course.
I will do everything I can to renew a new Rome-Berlin axis.
Let them [France and Germany] especially put their demands in such a way that Great Britain could say that she supported both sides.
France has a very important relationship with Germany. But that does not mean that we agree about everything or that two of our universities or companies are not going to compete.
Europe needs an engine, and the Franco-German motor has provided that when the two nations have converged on important topics during critical periods. But that partnership shouldn't be a directorate for other EU members.
When I was elected to head the German government, I was fortunate enough to find a partner in Francois Mitterrand.
With every wish to take Europe forward with a German-French nucleus, the proposals must always fit with German interests.
United, France and Germany can accomplish and prevent anything.... On their union depends, therefore, not only their own welfare but also the destiny of all of Europe.
The Franco-German tandem at the core of post-war European integration has become lopsided. Relations between Berlin and Paris are unusually poor, with some French politicians decrying the 'selfish intransigence' in the euro crisis of Germany's chancellor, Angela Merkel.
After World War II it was decided that, in order to prevent the Germans and the French from having another war, it would be better to tie them together into one economic pact so they would invest in each other and have mutual stakes. Until now, that has worked to prevent warfare between the two.
I do not separate France from Europe.
The German-French friendship is indispensable for Europe. And I will never let myself be carried away to making statements that would change it.
