France

President Macron has been promoting the concept of European sovereignty and strategic autonomy for quite some time. His vision of a strategically autonomous Europe is based on the premise of profound geopolitical shifts and a new reality of big power rivalries. Still, Paris will have to convince skeptical EU Member States about the soundness of this concept.

Europe could still emerge from the pandemic crisis sustainably positioned and strengthened, but only if the Franco-German tandem works. The plans for a reconstruction fund of 500 billion euros mark a turnaround in the right direction.

The otherwise so vibrant Paris seems to be extinct in view of the Corona measures. Bars, cafés, restaurants and everything else is closed, empty chairs pile up behind the windows. Only in front of supermarkets, bakeries, butcher's shops and pharmacies are long queues, at a distance of at least one meter.

Close coordination and smooth cooperation between Berlin and Paris is crucial for Europe and its foreign politics, particularly considering rising intricate geopolitical rivalries. Differences in style and approach must not impede cooperation on substance and common interests.

The international rule-based order is under threat. The "Alliance for Multilateralism", initiated by the German and French Foreign ministers, aims to re-establish stability and reliability between nation states. What are its chances of success?