EU decisions in coming months key to shaping its character
EMMANUEL Macron hosted his German, Spanish and Italian counterparts in Paris on Monday, after a morale-boosting few weeks for the European Union (EU). Both the political and economic news for the continent has improved significantly, driving up the euro in recent days to eight-year highs against the pound.
Hosting the summit is part of a diplomatic charm offensive for the French president, who visited Austria, Romania and Bulgaria last week; this Thursday, he will meet Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte.
Mr Macron and other European leaders believe recent political and economic developments have collectively opened a new window of opportunity for the continent. For instance, Italy's Europe Minister Sandro Gozi remarked recently that we "now have a possibility of launching a new phase...It is essential that there be a process of relaunch and deepening of European integration".
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