France and Germany in XXIst century NATO. An old couple gets engaged
France’s return in NATO’s military integration has finally allowed France and Germany to dance to the same tune in security and defense politics. Thus, the two countries could pool their forces together and give a real boost to the transatlantic relationship as well as to the European Security and Defense Policy. The development of a new Strategic Concept for the Atlantic Alliance and the detailed definition and implementation of the EU’s Lisbon Treaties Defense clauses undoubtedly represent the major milestones in 2010. However, the union of the two partners depends on France: Ending its 40 years of « Atlantist exception », Paris still must clear its relations with Washington and change the outlook of its pet-project, the Europe of defense. Otherwise, France will continue to miss the support of its most important European ally, Germany.
