While Schroeder emphasized the ideas were mainly intended to stimulate discussion, not dictate policy, they do represent the most comprehensive and extensive statement of his vision for Europe. But it is a vision that few, Schroeder included, expect to become a reality anytime soon, especially given the strong nationalist sentiment in some EU countries. This vision began to take root after World War II, as the continent struggled to rebuild its economy and industry. The basic principle of the treaty, and hence the European Community as a whole, was to make war between the major states of Europe an impossibility. Without a certain harmony between these two countries, you cannot build up Europe.
Recent developments indicate the two nations remain the biggest advocates of European unity.
And German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer called for a United States of Europe. Schroeder's proposal, welcomed by Germany's conservative opposition party, the Christian Democrats, is the latest evidence of Franco-German leadership. Groups in these, and other EU countries, fear policies like those proposed by Schroeder on Monday will hurt their nations economically and politically. Chancellor Schroeder and his allies in Britain and elsewhere are badly out of step. The official word from London, however, was more in line with Schroeder's own hopes that his statements would spur discussion, not protest.