In a similar speech in January, she warned the United States that it had no "eternal guarantee" of cooperation from Europe. Together, Merkel and Macron implicitly know they are the new Franco-German axis that must, as Merkel said in Munich, "fight for our own future and destiny as Europeans." Washington may soon realize that Europe is the swing superpower between the United States and China -- and is leaning toward Eurasian connectivity. But as Washington's Russia policy remains handcuffed by the ongoing investigations, count on Europe to break rank and re-engage with Russia, capturing new business opportunities as the economy recovers. Merkel and Macron are reminding their peers of the region's timeless strengths: world-class infrastructure, efficient midsize cities, social-democratic politics, locally rooted businesses, low inequality and rich cultural traditions.

Source: CNN May 31, 2017 12:00 UTC