IRMO Brief 09/2020, "Franco–German “twin engine” must go on"

Introduction

By virtue of their state structure: central state on one side, federal state on the other, and their different cultural practices in almost all areas, one would be tempted to say that France and Germany are two European countries that are least destined to work closely together. The idea of power distributed over several levels and of a consensus necessary to make a decision articulate work and communication in Germany in a very different way from that in France. The French idea is that of pyramidal state power, the pattern of which is often used by companies and is reflected in the way of working, communicating and making decisions in France. These differences structure the Franco-German antagonist dialogue in politics, as well as in business. They are at the origin of Franco-German couple - the only one in Europe to be identified as a “twin engine” which must not break down but must move in the same direction and at the same speed.

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