The Power of the Big Three

Résumé du document

"Big Three? is a word that came into being in February 2004 as the French President Mr. Chirac, the British Prime Minister Mr. Blair and the German Chancellor Mr. Schröder met in Berlin. The alliance between Germany France and the UK may seem obvious to a reader. However these countries have often opposed each other in the past on many issues within the European arena. Historically the main alliance in the EC and after within the EU is the German French axis. It was the basis of the foundation of the CSEC and has long been presented as the ruling body of the Union. However there have been some fights in the last decade, which lead to the building of a stronger link between Germany and Britain.

Extraits

[...] As a consequence we can today say that the Big Three have lost their power inside the EU. But the real question is maybe to know if they were really in the mood to keep it and develop strong common development objectives including new member states or if they were more likely to enlarge the Union mainly to prevent the creation of another economical zone to develop on the European border and prefer work on “deeper cooperation” between some of the EU member states to quote French President Mr. [...]

[...] From a political point of view II. The real role of the big three in the development of the EU 1. Leading the integration process ? 2. The countries which have the more things to loose in power sharing 3. The ability to veto a decision III. The claim of some other big countries 1. Spain 2. Italy 3. Poland Conclusion Bibliography The foundations of the big three alliance The alliance between Germany France and the UK may seem obvious to a reader. [...]

[...] As a consequence it is hardly possible to use the economy as a reason for this 3-member alliance From a political point of view Dealing with politics, we have two perspectives to consider. The first one is national politics. Of course the three countries are democracies. But the ruling party are from very different background. There are to left wing parties governing in Germany and UK even if the UK Labour party is quite as liberal as the French right- and France is ruled by a right wing government. [...]

[...] Countries now fear the future and the necessary changes. Could we say following this trend that this enlargement arrives too early and that Europe is not ready today to open its doors? Maybe a strong directory could relauch a positive process? Bibliography Warning shot to EU's three”, Financial Times 35,379, Tuesday February 17th 2004 page 1 Europe's three” want Brussels portfolios reorganised, Financial Times 35,379, Tuesday February 17th 2004 page 3 At last a chance a chance for Europe's to get its act together, Michael Maclay, Financial Times 35,379, Tuesday February 17th 2004 page 15 The bi three need to tread carefully, Financial Times 35,379, Tuesday February 17th 2004 page 14 Big three summit mess” says Berlusconi, Financial Times 35,380, Wednesday February 18th 2004 page 1 Berlin Summit Report, Financial Times 35,380, Wednesday February 18th 2004 page 2. [...]

[...] The inflation rates vary from in Germany to in UK, the real DP growth rates vary from for Germany to for UK, not to quote the unemployment rate which achieve a fantastic 10% in France against in Germany and only in the UK. As a consequence if all these countries remain leader on the long run their today's situation does not look so similar. Then all the Big Three do not belong to the Euro zone. UK has always wanted to keep its currency to protect its cultural identity and also gain some business opportunities (notably on the financial markets). UK also profit of larger tax policy flexibility, as it does not take part in the Stability a Growth Pact. [...]