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 E…