Macron, Merkel talk European hard core

France and Germany are toying with the idea of creating a powerhouse group within the EU that will work quickly towards mutual economic goals…

According to information obtained by Handelsblatt, the two leaders have been discussing the possibility of increasing cooperation within the euro zone with some but not all members of the currency union. The two opted not to reveal concrete proposals for these reforms. However, France is very interested in strengthening the monetary union, it’s being said in Berlin, “at all costs.” Mr. Macron is said to imagine a core group of countries within the euro zone…

However, Mr. Macron is believed to think it would be helpful to cooperate more closely on certain financial or political issues with countries willing to do so. Apparently this step had already been discussed during Mr. Macron and Ms. Merkel’s meetings…

The European Union has already formed a group of willing parties that are advancing together on defense policy. Insiders within the French government say that they want to see this approach in the monetary union, too. No one will be excluded and the door remains open, sources said, but with a smaller group it will be easier to accelerate integration.