The Decisive Importance of the Franco-German Engine in the EU: A Bold EU Recovery Plan

• H.E. Emily Haber, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the U.S.
• H.E. Philippe Étienne, Ambassador of France to the U.S.
• Dr. Karen Donfried, President, GMF

The unprecedented economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic has hit the global economy. The European Union, already facing a time of upheaval with lingering Brexit negotiations, a tumultuous transatlantic relationship, and visible divisions within the European Union, now face the economic damage of the coronavirus pandemic. On May 18, French President Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced their plan for an ambitious European Union “Recovery Fund” of 500 billion Euro to be raised in the markets and distributed as non-refundable grants to member states. Will the other EU member states join behind the Franco-German engine in the post-pandemic recovery? Will old divisions thwart a joint EU recovery? Join GMF on Monday, June 1st for a discussion of this plan and the EU’s pandemic recovery with the German Ambassador to the U.S., Emily Haber, and the French Ambassador to the U.S., Philippe Étienne.

If you have any questions, please contact Laura-Hope Gammell at [email protected].