Paris, Oct. 26 (EIRNS)—The shock wave of the collapse of the international order of the post World War II period, is also provoking the breakup of the Franco-German alliance which has ruled European affairs since Charles De Gaulle and Konrad Adenaueur signed the Franco-German treaty in 1963. Symbolic of this, the Oct. 26 Franco-German intergovernmental seminar, which brings together French and German ministers to discuss key issues, was canceled entirely after two postponements.
Conflict has arisen around reforms proposed by France to cap energy prices. Key differences have arisen also in a joint project for the construction by 2027 of a sixth-generation European jet fighter, the SCAF, and a drone, to replace the French Rafale and the Eurofighters used by Germany and Spain. The aim had been to build an all-European jet fighter, instead of purchasing the U.S.’s F-35, known for its poor quality. The Oct. 13 announcement by Germany that it is leading a consortium with 14 EU members to build an anti-missile shield in Europe jointly with the U.S., without any consultation with Paris, is the last detonator which might finally end the Franco-German relationship.
On the jet fighter, the original proposal was made by President Macron, on the condition that it be led by France and France’s airplane manufacturer, Dassault. The choice of Dassault is based on overriding considerations: Dassault has long-term experience and has built the best jet fighter around, the Rafale. There is also a security issue involved: these jet fighters are part of the French nuclear deterrent which forbids Dassault from revealing its construction secrets.
