Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel are making friends and seeking an alliance with Russia. (Photo Credit: CC BY-SA/Pimkie/Flickr)
Europe is searching for ways to piece together a lasting model for economic prosperity and national security. According to the Atlantic Sentinel, Angela Merkel, Nicolas Sarkozy and Dmitry Medvedev are meeting before the upcoming European G20 meeting in order to cement what could be a lasting partnership that would signify a “new Atlantic order.” No final decisions are expected to be reached during the two-day meeting at the Normandy resort of Deauville, as German Chancellor Merkel and French President Sarkozy don’t want to be seen as bypassing the European Union.
Merkel and Sarkozy negotiating post-Cold War detente with Russia
Merkel and Sarkozy recognize that Russia is on edge over NATO’s expansion into Central Europe. Their talk with Russian President Medvedev will focus on how they can work together to secure their alliance in a fast-changing European theater. As Merkel put it, “We will discuss whether it is possible for Russia and NATO to cooperate better because the era of the Cold War is definitely over.” Sarkozy wants to work with Russia as an ally rather than an adversary. The development of an economic and security partnership would ideally bring Russia closer to the European Union.
Financial regulation on the G20 table
In light of the global economic collapse, Merkel and Sarkozy are pushing stricter financial regulation at every opportunity. The establishment of a permanent financial watchdog for the European Union has been discussed. Recent struggles with China over the communist nation’s fortuitous currency manipulation have emboldened Merkel and Sarkozy’s efforts. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has argued before the European Union that the European alliance should not buy into what are largely American claims that the yuan should be allowed to quickly appreciate.
The U.S. wants a piece
The United States’ reaction to Merkel and Sarkozy cozying up to Medvedev has been negative. As the Obama administration hasn’t allocated may resources to pursuing stronger ties with Europe of late, there is fear that a Germany-France-Russia alliance could leave America in the dust. U.S. Officials would like all discussion to be saved for the G20 conference, where the U.S. will have a role. Considering that Russia’s relations with the U.S. have been less than favorable because of U.S. sanctions against Iran, the odds appear stacked against Obama and company.
Sources
The European G20 didn’t produce desired results in 2009
