The Franco-German brigade in EUTM Mali
(BRUSSELS2) Germany could become more widely involved in Africa, starting with the European Malian army training mission (EUTM Mali) as reported by our counterpart across the Rhine, Augengeradenaus. The Franco-German Brigade could thus be engaged. It would serve either as "force protection" at the headquarters in Bamako or at the Koulikoro training camp, or for the trainers, or both.
If no official decision has been announced - we are at the stage of military planning indicates the Spiegel Online - this one is quite advanced. Elements of the 295th artillery battalion from Immendingen and the 292nd chasseurs battalion from Donaueschingen could be engaged. This German engagement would take place in the second phase of EUTM Mali (EUTM Mali II). The soldiers of the Bundeswehr would thus come to relay the Belgians and Spaniards. What could free them for other missions like Eufor Rca Bangui?
Other initiatives could be announced by the German Foreign and Defense Ministers. Ursula Von der Leyen will be in Paris on Monday to see her counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian. The next day, it will be Franz-Walter Steinmeier's turn to see Laurent Fabius...
Comment: The two sentences of François Hollande on the revival of the Franco-German couple (Read: With Angela, it's serious!) weren't just tossed words. Unquestionably, between Paris and Berlin, now that the federal elections have passed and that a CDU - SPD coalition government is in place in Berlin, there is the desire to reconnect with a leading position in Europe for France and the 'Germany. As several French diplomats in Brussels told B2, " we are working with our German counterparts on all issues to try to reconcile our positions as much as possible and, at least, not to let our differences burst”.
