Britain, Germany and the Future of the European Union (New Perspectives in German Studies)

Since the original enlargement of the European Union, the Franco-German alliance has increasingly lost influence. As a result of the influx of new member states, the strategic level of policy-making, which determines the future of European integration, is increasingly dominated by a multiplicity of flexible working partnerships between the larger EU member states. Within this group, Britain and Germany have both undergone significant changes regarding their approach towards major European policy areas since the late 1990s. This book details these changes which have been characteristic of a process of normalization in both countries. The author examines possible areas for cooperation between Britain and Germany on major European issues and the potential significance that such a working partnership could have for the future of the enlarged European Union.