France, by contrast, is still more interested in the southern Mediterranean and the Maghreb. Personalities matter too. Kohl's departure was the loss of a man of European vision. France's socialist prime minister, Lionel Jospin, is less enthusiastic about Europe than his predecessors. No surprise then that France's turn at the EU's rotating presidency, which begins this July, is awaited elsewhere in Europe with some trepidation.
Important divergences exist over social policy.
All of which is good for the United Kingdom. The UK still devotes more attention in foreign policy terms to France and Germany than other EU members. But the smaller fry are getting a look-in too. Yet this is not just about hogging the limelight at summits. The absence of a powerful motor is being felt.