A Franco-German Engine in European Defense?: The Role of Franco-German Cooperation in Relation to the European Union’s Defense Policy

Abstract

Despite usually having distinct objectives regarding the integration of EU defense, France and Germany continuously seek to collaborate, presenting joint policy proposals which are frequently adopted at the EU level. Therefore, this paper seeks to analyze the importance of both states in EU decision-making on defense policy. First, this paper examines the current state of research on the Franco-German engine and then introduces the definition of this engine – a strong Franco-German cooperation to encourage European integration – as well as the theory to explain its processes. Afterwards, it provides the empirical analysis of a single-case study on the founding of Permanent Structured Cooperation [PESCO] which is a relevant component of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy [CSDP], an integral part of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy [CFSP] (Articles 42(1) and (6), Treaty on European Union [TEU]). Finally, this paper concludes that there is a Franco-German engine in European defense which affects EU decision-making to enact or change EU policies.