French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his German counterpart, Angela Merkel, appear to have reached a deal on two key issues, with both leaders on Monday referring to the friendship between the two countries after months of cool relations.
Following talks on the margins of the CeBIT information technology trade fair in Hanover Germany on Monday (3 March), Berlin and Paris reached agreement on France's planned Mediterranean union and on how to approach European Commission proposals to reduce pollution from new cars.
Germany is strongly opposed to the car plans, feeling they unfairly hit German manufacturers, but Ms Merkel announced that a "deal is envisaged with France on the European targets to reduce carbon dioxide from cars." France, home to more efficient car manufacturers such as Renault, had favoured Brussels' plans, which suggest fining those who break the CO2 emissions limits.
Mr Sarkozy said there would be a "common position from France and Germany in the coming days," reports AFP.
The two leaders also patched up their differences on France's proposed union of Mediterranean countries, with Paris having watered down the original plan following public criticism by Ms Merkel.
The German chancellor said the project "is to be called Mediterranean Union", adding that it "should be a project of all 27 member states."
"If Germany and France are not in agreement, it will be hard to find unity in Europe," said Ms Merkel.Mr Sarkozy said: "It is more important than ever that France and Germany get on and work together."
Euobserver
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