Messages in the Media - University of Toronto

agreed to a process of automatic sanctions for states
whose government budget deficit exceeded 3% of
their GDP. 18
French-German Relations and the EU
- Germany and France cooperated early in the year
when they declared a competitiveness pact.
o This was interpreted by the media as a sign of cooperation
and compromise between the two states
as it presented a united front vis-à-vis the euro crisis.
19
o However, there was some scepticism, about
whether or not France was truly an equal partner
in the pact. 20
- Later in the year, there were diverging opinions between
Germany and France on how to properly address
the euro crisis.
o There was a difference of opinion on the use of
European Emergency Funds for bailouts. 21
o Berlin was in favour of sanctions, while Paris promoted
solidarity. 22
o Germany wanted to reform EU treaties, which
would have affected all 27 Member States. France
was sceptical about treaty reform plan, and instead
favoured “un accord plus restraint entre les pays de
l’euro zone qui souhaiteraient aller d’avant.” [A
more restrained agreement amongst euro zone
countries that are willing to move forward]. 23
- In December, leading up to the European Council
meeting, conflicting interpretations of Franco-German
cooperation were forwarded by the French media.
The following headlines from the December 6 newspapers
indicate several contradictions:
o “Amitié, convergence, solidité.’’ [Friendship, convergence,
solidity.] 24
o “La France et l’Allemagne ‘solidares’ dans la tempête.”
[France and Germany “solidarity” in the
storm.] 25
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