Source: Christian Science Monitor
by staff
“Geographers often debate what is ‘the heart of Europe’ – some say Slovakia, others say Lithuania. Ask diplomats, however, and they might say Europe’s heart lies in the hugs, handshakes, and harmony between the leaders of France and Germany, the founders of the European Union. On Thursday and Friday, the two countries showed how personal bonds – built on a remarkable reconciliation between Paris and Berlin after World War II – can help Europe face its current challenges. First, French President Emmanuel Macron hosted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at his seaside home on the Mediterranean for a tie-free, one-on-one working dinner. The next day, the duo presided over the 25th joint cabinet meeting between the EU’s two most powerful economies. The cozy get-together, their second since Mr. Merz’s election earlier this year, resulted in a number of new initiatives on security, trade, industry, and energy.” (08/29/25)