Germany and France agree joint plan

on 22/01/2013 13:07:52

Germany and France plan to work together on proposals on how to improve economic co-ordination in the European Union this spring as the continent struggles to overcome its debt crisis and generate growth.

German chancellor Angela Merkel said after meeting French president Francois Hollande the two countries were "aware of our great responsibility" to end the crisis and make growth possible. She said both were convinced competitiveness was hugely significant.

The two countries plan to come up with proposals by May.

Germany and France are marking 50 years of an accord that enshrined the two former adversaries' post-Second World War reconciliation with a joint cabinet meeting and a joint session of their parliaments.

The 1963 Elysee Treaty marked a milestone for the two former foes.