Introduction

The European Union (EU) we know today could not have been possible without the participation of Germany. The Franco-German relationship, initiated by figures like Robert Schuman and Konrad Adenauer, is the cornerstone of the EU project. This article delves into the hypothetical scenario where Germany had never been a part of the EU, examining the potential consequences for the expansion and leadership of the union.

The Role of Germany in EU Expansion

The European Economic Community (EEC), as we know it, could not have expanded to include countries such as Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom without Germany's influence. Additionally, Austria and Sweden would likely not have joined in a scenario where Germany was absent. The eastward expansion of the EU after 1991 would be significantly different, likely comprising only Benelux countries, France, some Mediterranean nations, and possibly Portugal.

Leadership Dynamics in a Different EU Scenario

It is important to note that the concept of "leading" the EU is a false premise. The EU is an equal union of nations, with the European Parliament representing member states with a number of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) approximately proportional to the population of each nation. No nation has the right to dominate a rotating presidency, and all member nations have equal vetoes on major matters.

Even with the absence of Germany, the EU would likely have continued to function. France would be the driving force, and the structure of the union would have evolved differently. France would have taken on a more prominent role, leading the EU in a similar manner to how it currently does, albeit with French becoming the primary working language.

Conclusion

The absence of Germany from the EU would have dramatically altered the course of its expansion and leadership. However, the EU would have continued to exist in some form. France would have stepped up to lead the union with a French-speaking working language, while maintaining the essential principles of equality among member states.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How would the EU have expanded without Germany?
Without Germany's influence, the expansion of the EEC would have been limited to countries like Benelux, France, some Mediterranean nations, and possibly Portugal. Q: Who would have led the EU without Germany's influence?
France would have taken on a more prominent role, leading the EU with French as the primary working language. Q: Would the EU's leadership dynamics change?
The EU would still be an equal union of nations, with no nation dominating the presidency or vetoing major matters. The leadership would evolve based on the new dynamics among member states.

Understanding the hypothetical impact of Germany's absence offers valuable insights into the importance of key relationships within the EU and the resilience of the union as a whole.